Gwyneth Paltrow is reportedly facing public backlash over rumors that she is planning to host a private, 'off-the-record' dinner party for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at her home in the Hamptons.
Alleged invitations for the event, scheduled for August 29, have begun circulating, according to Puck News. The purported invitation states the gathering is "in honor of Sam Altman" and lists a Goop-affiliated RSVP email address. The event is planned to begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner.
The rumored party quickly went viral on social media, generating significant criticism. Commentators on platforms like X compared the event to dystopian fiction, with one remarking it was like "an episode of black mirror." The pushback reflects a broader public skepticism towards artificial intelligence and major tech companies.
Some social media users expressed concern about the perceived elitism of the event, with one commenter on Threads stating that Paltrow's "organic, chemical-free, homemade food aesthetic was always about being elitist first and foremost. Sam Altman is literally poisoning the water, babe." Others questioned Paltrow's connection to Altman and the purpose of the event, with some speculating if the invitation itself was AI-generated.
This controversy emerges as public trust in AI and its leaders appears to be waning. A recent CNBC/Generation Labs survey of 1,088 Americans indicated that 45% of adults under 35 view AI as a threat to their future careers. The survey also revealed that a majority of respondents distrust leaders of major companies investing in AI.
Paltrow, however, has shown a personal interest in AI. Her company, Goop, announced an AI partnership with the performance marketing platform Adora earlier this year. Paltrow has also spoken about using AI regularly on her Goop podcast, calling it "incredibly useful" and discussing AI's applications in areas such as health and dating. She also launched an AI-powered meditation app in 2024.
Goop has also undergone significant internal changes related to AI. In late 2024, the company implemented two rounds of layoffs within two months, cutting approximately 50 employees. Earlier this year, Goop reportedly let go of about 20 more staff, with the company citing "profitability and AI" as a rationale. These layoffs were reportedly "justified via pivot to AI workflow."
The current controversy follows a previous instance in June where Paltrow drew both criticism and praise for appearing in a campaign for a luxury residential development in Israel. That collaboration led to accusations of supporting the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, while others defended her, citing her Jewish heritage and support for Israel amidst a rise in antisemitism.