openai / sam altman / board governance

Sam Altman testified in the Musk v. Altman trial, describing Elon Musk as obsessed with controlling OpenAI and recounting a “hair-raising” moment when Musk proposed passing control of OpenAI to his children. Musk’s suit alleges Altman stole a nonprofit and converted Musk’s $38 million donation into a for-profit company now worth hundreds of billions, but Altman and others testified they recall no donation conditions and suggested the claim may be time-barred by the statute of limitations. Musk’s lawyers aggressively challenged Altman’s credibility, questioning his truthfulness and financial dealings, while Altman framed himself as a worried entrepreneur focused on AI safety. The testimony matters for corporate control of AI and public perceptions of major AI founders.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman denied Elon Musk’s allegation that Altman betrayed OpenAI’s public-benefit mission, saying Musk actually supported plans to create for-profit operations and was the one who sought control for profit. The dispute stems from a 2024 lawsuit in which Musk claims he was induced to donate $38 million to a nonprofit OpenAI that later converted toward commercial activities. The courtroom battle, now in its third week, could shape OpenAI’s governance and leadership just as the company prepares for a potential IPO that some value near $1 trillion. The outcome matters for investor confidence, regulatory scrutiny, and governance norms for major AI labs.