OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman is set to take the witness stand on Tuesday and Wednesday in the ongoing legal battle between OpenAI and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The high-profile California trial, now in its third week, could shape the future of OpenAI and its leadership as the artificial intelligence company continues expanding rapidly with backing from major technology firms and investors.
Musk’s lawsuit alleges that Altman and other OpenAI executives convinced him to contribute about $38 million to the nonprofit organisation before shifting away from its original mission of benefiting humanity and transforming it into a profit-driven company.
OpenAI has denied the claims, arguing that Musk was aware of early discussions about creating a for-profit structure and later sought greater control over the company.
The courtroom clash has drawn intense attention across Silicon Valley, with testimony highlighting disputes over leadership, trust and the company’s direction.
Former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever testified on Monday that he spent nearly a year gathering evidence for OpenAI’s board, alleging Altman displayed what he described as a “consistent pattern of lying.”
Several current and former OpenAI executives have already testified in the case, including OpenAI President Greg Brockman, former technology chief Mira Murati and former board member Shivon Zilis, who is also the mother of four of Musk’s children.
Musk, who is seeking the removal of Altman and Brockman from their leadership positions, told the court that OpenAI was originally conceived as a charitable initiative and accused executives of abandoning that vision.
He also testified that although he knew discussions had taken place about introducing a for-profit structure, he said Altman reassured him the organisation would remain nonprofit.
Goodness Anunobi
