Five Key Revelations From the Musk-Altman OpenAI Trial
BBC Business reported Thursday that jurors have begun deliberating in the high-stakes Musk-Altman trial. The case pits Elon Musk against Sam Altman, the CEO he once co-founded OpenAI alongside. Musk alleges Altman effectively stole a charitable organisation and cheated him out of funds. Altman firmly rejects those claims.
More Than a Two-Man Showdown
The Musk-Altman trial quickly expanded beyond a dispute between two famous rivals. A long line of prominent tech figures testified that they had never witnessed Musk commit to OpenAI’s non-profit mission. Among them were OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and former board member Tasha McCauley. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also testified, stating his company conducted thorough due diligence before committing billions to OpenAI. Microsoft is a co-defendant in the case, accused of facilitating Altman’s alleged conduct.
Altman’s Trustworthiness Put Under the Microscope
Altman’s credibility faced sustained attack throughout proceedings. Musk’s lead attorney Steven Molo opened cross-examination by asking directly whether Altman was “completely trustworthy.” Altman’s initial hesitation drew immediate scrutiny. Jurors also heard testimony from former OpenAI board members detailing instances where Altman allegedly withheld information. His financial stake in nuclear energy start-up Helion Energy drew particular concern. Altman holds an interest worth over $1.5 billion in the firm, which has yet to generate any power. OpenAI has a power-purchasing agreement with Helion, raising conflict-of-interest questions.
Also Read: OpenAI Seeks $40 Billion in Funding at $340 Billion Valuation
Background: How This Case Reached a Federal Courtroom
Musk departed OpenAI’s board in 2018. He filed suit years later, arguing the organisation he helped found abandoned its non-profit charter in pursuit of commercial dominance. The legal battle intensified after a blistering New Yorker profile by journalist Ronan Farrow portrayed Altman as a habitual deceiver. Altman’s dramatic removal from OpenAI’s board in 2023, and his swift reinstatement, added further backdrop to questions about internal governance.
Also Read: Sam Altman Returns as OpenAI CEO After Board Reversal
A Judge Who Kept Everyone in Line
Presiding over the trial, Judge Gonzalez Rogers maintained a famously strict courtroom schedule. She allowed only two short breaks daily and eliminated the lunch hour entirely. Lawyers who strayed beyond permitted questioning boundaries faced sharp rebukes. Reporters caught photographing high-profile attendees inside the courthouse received similar treatment. Her firm command of proceedings was widely noted by observers throughout the three-week trial.
The jury continues deliberating. The verdict will determine not just financial outcomes, but the broader governance future of one of the world’s most closely watched AI companies.
Read Next: What OpenAI’s Restructuring Means for the Future of AI Development