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One-time economic leader the Harvard professor is leaving the board at the artificial intelligence firm, just days after a collection of electronic messages between him and late convicted sex offender the disgraced billionaire became widely known.

The economist commented in a statement that he was "thankful for the opportunity to have participated, optimistic about the promise of the organization, and eagerly await observing their advancement".

The former Harvard president, who previously led Harvard University, announced on recently that he would be stepping back from public responsibilities due to his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Message Exchange

The recently released emails showed that Summers corresponded with Jeffrey Epstein until the 24 hours preceding Epstein's 2019 detention for accused human trafficking of minors.

In a separate statement, the AI firm stated it accepted Summers' decision to resign.

"We acknowledge his numerous inputs and the perspective he offered to the Board," OpenAI remarked.

Congressional Action

This announcement follows after the entire Congress of Congress voted on Tuesday to endorse a bill that would compel the US justice department to disclose its documents on Jeffrey Epstein.

The bill will subsequently proceed to the desk of President Trump for signature. Trump has said he plans to approve the legislation, after changing his stance on the matter following pressure from his base.

Message Details

A batch of Epstein-related emails made public by the Congressional committee recently referenced numerous prominent individuals in the Epstein's former circle, without indicating any legal wrongdoing by those people.

The communications showed that the professor and Jeffrey Epstein dined together frequently, with Epstein often seeking to introduce the official to notable international personalities.

Personal Response

After the messages were released with the public, he expressed he took "complete accountability for my poor decision to persist in corresponding with the financier".

He further stated that he hoped "to reestablish faith and fix relationships with the persons most important to me".

Professional History

The economist held senior posts under Democratic administrations; acting as Treasury chief under Bill Clinton, and as leader of the economic advisory body under the former leader.

He headed the university from five years and continues to be a professor there. When stating his departure from public roles previously on Monday, he said he would continue his academic responsibilities.

Additional Consequences

Following his declaration on Monday, the policy organization, a left-leaning policy institute in the capital where he was a prominent member, confirmed that he was not connected with the institution.

Summers joined the directorate of OpenAI, which creates the AI chatbot, in the previous year - following a unsuccessful effort to oust its top executive the company leader.