Outlook Business Desk
Larry Summers stepped down from the OpenAI board after growing scrutiny over his past communications with his friend Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted child sex abuser, resurfaced. His resignation was confirmed on 19 November.
Summers is an American economist who once served as the United States Treasury Secretary, led Harvard University, appeared as a paid contributor on Bloomberg TV and held academic and leadership roles at Harvard’s Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government.
He joined the OpenAI board in November 2023, when the company faced turmoil after the brief removal of CEO Sam Altman. Summers later contributed to the board’s review of how Altman was pushed out, drawing on his policy and financial expertise.
Summers came under scrutiny after emails showed he stayed in touch with Jeffrey Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The release of these messages raised concerns about his judgement and how old associations can return to affect public perception.
The emails, released by the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, showed Summers and Epstein discussing public reactions to harassment claims. Their release raised concerns about Summers’ judgement and whether continued contact with Epstein was appropriate.
As scrutiny intensified, Summers began stepping back from several positions. He is also stepping down from a teaching post at Harvard University and from his director role at one of its business and government schools.
Additionally, the Centre for American Progress confirmed that Summers ended his fellowship, while Yale’s Budget Lab said he left its advisory group. These decisions showed that the impact of the scrutiny extended well beyond his responsibilities at OpenAI.
Meanwhile, OpenAI confirmed that Summers resigned by choice and acknowledged the value he brought to board discussions. The announcement signalled the company’s attempt to maintain stability as it dealt with the public attention around the situation.
On the other hand, Summers said he chose to step back from public commitments and leave the board. He thanked OpenAI for the opportunity and admitted regret over staying in contact with Epstein, presenting his resignation as part of a wider effort to withdraw.