What we learned from a cringey courtroom drama between Elon Musk and Sam Altman
Elon Musk and Sam Altman faced off in a high-profile courtroom battle over the founding and restructuring of OpenAI, with both tech leaders portrayed as untrustworthy during intense cross-examinations. Musk alleges that Altman and OpenAI betrayed a charitable mission by forming a for-profit entity, while OpenAI counters that Musk was aware of the plans and left voluntarily to start a rival company. The trial, which included testimony from major Silicon Valley figures, could have significant implications for OpenAI's future, including its potential public listing.
- ▪Elon Musk sued Sam Altman and OpenAI, claiming they broke a founding agreement by restructuring the non-profit into a for-profit entity.
- ▪Musk testified for three days, arguing he was the driving force behind OpenAI's creation and was later deceived by Altman.
- ▪OpenAI defended itself by stating Musk knew about the for-profit shift and left in 2018 to found xAI, calling the lawsuit a retaliatory move.
- ▪The jury could decide whether to remove Altman and Brockman, undo the for-profit shift, and redistribute $134 billion to the non-profit.
- ▪The outcome may impact OpenAI’s planned public offering, currently projected at a $1 trillion valuation.
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Both Musk and Altman took the stand for hours, facing combative cross-examinations that painted them each as untrustworthy. Composite: AP/Photothek/GettyView image in fullscreenBoth Musk and Altman took the stand for hours, facing combative cross-examinations that painted them each as untrustworthy. Composite: AP/Photothek/GettyCaliforniaWhat we learned from the cringey courtroom drama between Elon Musk and Sam AltmanTwo of the world’s richest people faced an airing of their dirty laundry amid their messy, bitter feud over OpenAINick Robins-EarlySat 16 May 2026 11.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 16 May 2026 11.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA nine-person jury is set to decide whether Elon Musk’s allegations of “stealing a charity” against Sam Altman and OpenAI are legitimate, with…
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