‘Was Definitely Murdered’: Tucker Carlson Grills Sam Altman Over OpenAI Whistleblower’s Death

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 17:28 IST

Tucker Carlson grilled Sam Altman over Suchir Balaji’s death, alleging murder despite suicide ruling. Balaji’s family disputes the findings and demands an FBI investigation.

Carlson, however, countered the OpenAI founder, asserting, “He was definitely murdered, I think.” (Image: X)

In a tense interview, American television host Tucker Carlson confronted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the death of whistleblower Suchir Balaji in 2024. During the interview, Tucker Carlson suggested foul play in Balaji’s death, despite authorities ruling it a suicide.

Carlson began by referencing Balaji’s whistleblower claims and sudden death, saying, “So you’ve had complaints from one programmer who said you guys were basically stealing people’s stuff and not paying them, and then he wound up murdered. What was that?”

In response, Altman said, “Also a great tragedy. He committed suicide.” He added that Balaji had been a long-time employee and friend, saying he was deeply shaken by the incident and had thoroughly reviewed the case.

“Well, he was like a friend of mine. This is like a guy that, not a close friend, but this is someone that worked at OpenAI for a very long time. I was really shaken by this tragedy. I spent a lot of time trying to, you know, read everything I could as I’m sure you and others did too about what happened. It looks like a suicide to me.”

Carlson, however, was unconvinced. He cited what he called troubling details. “There were signs of a struggle, of course. The surveillance camera, the wires had been cut. He had just ordered takeout food, come back from a vacation with his friends on Catalina Island. No indication at all that he was suicidal,” he pointed out.

Convinced it was murder, Carlson asked, “Why does it look like a suicide?”

When pressed about the cause of death, Altman responded, “It was a gun he had purchased.”

Carlson, however, countered the OpenAI founder, asserting, “He was definitely murdered, I think.”

As Carlson questioned the plausibility of the suicide further, highlighting “blood in two rooms”, “a wig that wasn’t his,” and “a dead-bolted door”, Altman noted, “You understand how this sounds like an accusation?”

Balaji, of Indian origin, died in his San Francisco apartment in November 2024, weeks after accusing OpenAI of copyright violations in AI training. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The official investigation found no evidence of foul play.

Still, his family disputes the conclusion, pointing to a private autopsy and demanding an FBI inquiry. The case has sparked ongoing debate and public concern.

As the interview progressed, Altman replied, “I haven’t done too many interviews where I’ve been accused of murder.”

Carlson further questioned how a suicide could involve “signs of a struggle and blood in two rooms,” wondering why authorities had not probed that discrepancy.

“I don’t understand how the authorities could just kind of dismiss that as a suicide. I think it’s weird,” Altman replied.

Throughout the interview, the tech CEO maintained that he had gone over the case details many times and believed the evidence clearly showed it was a suicide.

Balaji, an Indian-origin American AI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment in November 2024, weeks after accusing OpenAI of copyright violations in AI training. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The official investigation found no evidence of foul play.

Alleging that Balaji was murdered, his family has called for a thorough and transparent investigation, including involvement from the FBI, a demand that has gained support from several well-known public figures.

About the Author

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More

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