Altman posted a photograph of himself on X, previously Twitter, carrying an OpenAI customer badge, writing, “first and final time i ever put on considered one of these.”

Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief technique officer, additionally posted a photograph of Sam with the badge. Altman’s look at OpenAI HQ adopted information that the corporate’s buyers have been pushing to reinstate him as CEO sooner or later after he was ousted by the board, in keeping with individuals accustomed to the matter.

Over the previous 24 hours, a big group of OpenAI staff, together with executives, even have expressed help for Altman on social media by sharing hearts in response to considered one of his posts. Microsoft, Sequoia Capital, Tiger World and enterprise agency Thrive Capital are a part of an effort to reinstate Altman or have been in discussions with him, sources acquainted advised CNBC.

On Saturday morning, OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap wrote in a memo to staff, obtained by CNBC, that the board’s announcement took everybody abruptly.

“Now we have had a number of conversations with the board to attempt to higher perceive the explanations and course of behind their choice,” Lightcap wrote. “These discussions, and choices relating to our path ahead, are ongoing this morning.”

These discussions have now developed into media reviews that Altman could return to the corporate, together with OpenAI president Greg Brockman, who give up Friday after information of Altman’s departure.

— CNBC’s Rohan Goswami and Jordan Novet contributed reporting.