OpenAI hosted influencers at a luxury retreat with beekeeping. The internet backlash was swift.
OpenAI faced online backlash after hosting a luxury retreat for influencers in upstate New York, which included activities like beekeeping. Critics labeled the event as 'greenwashing' and tone-deaf, given the company's ongoing public image struggles regarding energy consumption and environmental impact.
Why it matters
It illustrates the growing tension between AI companies' efforts to build public goodwill and the public's scrutiny of their environmental and social footprint.
OpenAI hosted several content creators at a luxe resort in upstate New York. Bloomberg/Getty Images OpenAI hosted a luxury "Summer Camp" for influencers — including meals and a beekeeping lesson. Influencers posted about their retreat over the weekend. Commenters have criticized the trip as "greenwashing." Beneath a canopy of trees at a 140-acre resort, bistro lights illuminated a long wooden table set for about 30 people. There, content creators gathered for dinner of farm-to-table food and wine. At one end of the table, a glowing OpenAI logo completed the scene. Over the weekend, several influencers posted videos from what they called "OpenAI Summer Camp," held at Wildflower Farms, a luxury resort in New York's Hudson Valley. Weekend room rates typically exceed $2,000 a night. According to attendees' posts, the itinerary included meals, lessons about OpenAI's latest tools, and outdoor activities, including a session with a beekeeper.
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