Sam Altman testifies in trial over OpenAI's nonprofit status and Elon Musk's involvement

May 13, 2026

AI Summary

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, testified in a trial regarding a lawsuit from Elon Musk, who claims the company abandoned its nonprofit mission. Altman argued that Musk left OpenAI in its early stages and did not fulfill his commitments, leading to significant changes in the company's structure and funding approach.

Sam Altman testified in a federal court regarding Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming it strayed from its nonprofit mission.
Altman stated that Musk, a co-founder, abandoned the startup, which left it struggling for direction and funding.
Musk's lawsuit alleges that his $38 million donation was misused for commercial purposes, while Altman denied making commitments about the company's structure.
The trial has focused on negotiations between Musk and OpenAI executives in 2017 and 2018, which included discussions about for-profit options to secure funding.
Musk left OpenAI's board in February 2018, causing concern among employees about the company's future.
Following Musk's departure, OpenAI established a for-profit subsidiary, now valued at over $850 billion.
Musk expressed a desire for control over OpenAI and suggested merging it with Tesla to secure more capital, which Altman opposed.
During cross-examination, Musk's lawyer questioned Altman's trustworthiness, referencing past criticisms from former employees.
Altman also discussed his brief removal from OpenAI's leadership in 2023, expressing feelings of betrayal and confusion over the board's decision.
Closing arguments in the trial are expected soon, with the jury's decision being advisory and ultimately resting with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

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Sam Altman testifies in trial over OpenAI's nonprofit status and Elon Musk's involvement

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