In September 2025, social media users circulated an image allegedly showing the late, disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sitting next to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
One X post (archived) with the image reached over 1.8 million views as of this writing, with a caption reading, "What is the Jeff Epstein, Sam Altman connection?"
(X user @Truthtellerftm)
The photo spread primarily on X and Reddit.
In short, the image showed clear signs of having been generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, no reputable sources had published the image or reported on any verified connection between Altman and Epstein. The image spread solely via social media posts without any credible attribution or supporting evidence.
As such, we have rated this claim as fake.
How we know the image is fake
Several indicators point to the image being fake. For instance, the hands of both main figures were visibly deformed, which is a common error found in AI-generated images (see image below).
(X user @Truthtellerftm)
Additionally, the facial features of the alleged Altman figure lacked resemblance to the real man.
We reviewed genuine photographs of Epstein via Getty Images and found that he wore a similar blazer with gold-colored buttons in several real images. It is likely that these authentic pictures were used as source material or reference points by the AI tool that generated the fake photo.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
We have previously investigated several fabricated photographs and videos involving Epstein. For instance, we debunked a fake image showing Epstein posing with U.S. President Donald Trump and a young girl, and a video of Trump and Epstein at a social gathering with young girls.