Elon Musk Shares His Version of OpenAI’s Founding in Court Battle With Sam Altman
The trial centers on the 2015 birth of the ChatGPT maker as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Elon Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at USD 852 billion. It started Monday and is expected to last about three weeks.
OAKLAND, Calif. (BARBARA ORTUTAY), April 29: Elon Musk took the stand for the second day Wednesday in the landmark trial that pits the world's richest man against Sam Altman, a fellow OpenAI co-founder he accuses of betraying promises to keep the company as a nonprofit dedicated to humanity's benefit. The trial centers on the 2015 birth of the ChatGPT maker as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion. It started Monday and is expected to last about three weeks.
Musk, who invested about $38 million in OpenAI from December 2015 through May 2017, gave his account of OpenAI’s early years, recounting how he lost confidence that Altman would keep it a nonprofit. Questioned by his lawyer Steven Molo, Musk said by late 2022 he was concerned he was trying to “steal the charity.” Elon Musk Accuses OpenAI, Sam Altman of Betraying Nonprofit Roots in Court Trial.
"It turned out to be true,” Musk said on the witness stand, wearing his usual courtroom attire of a black suit and tie. Altman, OpenAI's CEO, was in attendance at the federal courthouse in Oakland, California, although he was not scheduled to testify on Wednesday. Elon Musk Drops Fraud Claims Against Sam Altman and Greg Brockman Ahead of OpenAI Trial, Case Narrowed to 2 Key Allegations.
Lawyers for OpenAI have rejected the allegations brought in Musk's civil lawsuit and said there were never promises that the company would remain a nonprofit forever. The company has argued Musk's legal challenge is aimed at undercutting OpenAI's rapid growth and bolstering Musk’s xAI, which he launched in 2023 as a competitor.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2026 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
