OpenAI influencer retreat in upstate New York draws backlash over luxury optics and AI tensions

OpenAI faced a wave of criticism after hosting what was described as its first influencer retreat, bringing a small group of creators to a luxury estate in upstate New York and teaching them how to use its newly introduced ChatGPT Work product. The trip included high-end lodging, farm-to-table dinners, beekeeping activities and workshops, but posts shared by attendees on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn triggered negative reactions rather than enthusiasm. Commenters questioned whether creators were endorsing OpenAI in exchange for lavish hospitality, and some tied the backlash to broader concerns about AI, including the environmental burden of data centers. One commenter interviewed by TechCrunch said the social mood in the US is already skeptical toward AI and that showcasing a $5,000-a-night suite was badly timed. OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri told TechCrunch that working with creators is part of the company’s marketing strategy and that the event was meant to help creators use the tools themselves and then show their audiences practical use cases. The criticism also landed as OpenAI is reportedly preparing a $500 billion data center deal in Ohio, making the retreat’s luxury framing especially sensitive.