OpenAI Terminates VP of Product Policy Amid Discrimination Allegations and ChatGPT Adult Mode Controversy

11.02.2026

Ryan Beiermeister, who held the position of Vice President of Product Policy at OpenAI, was terminated in January following a sex discrimination complaint filed by a male colleague, according to a recent Wall Street Journal investigation.

Beiermeister has categorically denied the allegations, stating: "The allegation that I discriminated against anyone is absolutely false." OpenAI has not provided official commentary on the matter at the time of reporting.

According to the WSJ report, Beiermeister's dismissal occurred shortly after she voiced concerns regarding a planned ChatGPT feature internally referred to as "adult mode." This proposed functionality would integrate erotic content capabilities into the conversational AI platform.

Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications — responsible for overseeing the company's consumer-facing product portfolio — has confirmed to media outlets that the adult mode feature is scheduled for deployment during Q1 2025.

The report indicates that Beiermeister, along with other OpenAI personnel, raised significant concerns about the potential impact of the adult-oriented feature on specific user demographics and vulnerable populations.

In an official statement, OpenAI acknowledged that Beiermeister "made valuable contributions during her time at OpenAI," while asserting that her departure "was not related to any issue she raised while working at the company." The termination followed a period of leave.

According to her professional background, Beiermeister previously served on Meta's product team for four years and spent over seven years in various roles at Palantir Technologies prior to joining OpenAI.

Sources:
Wall Street Journal - OpenAI Executive Fired for Sexual Discrimination
The Verge - ChatGPT Adult Mode Debut
Ryan Beiermeister LinkedIn Profile