In a dramatic courtroom appearance on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, tech billionaire Elon Musk took the stand to accuse Sam Altman and Greg Brockman of a massive breach of trust, claiming they “stole a charity” by converting OpenAI into a profit-driven enterprise.
The trial, which has captivated the tech world, centers on Musk’s allegation that the defendants violated OpenAI’s “foundational agreement” to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity rather than for corporate gain.
Key Highlights from Musk’s Testimony
Musk, the first witness called by his legal team on the second day of the trial, provided extensive detail on his motivations for co-founding OpenAI in 2015.
- The ” Larry Page” Factor: Musk testified that his concerns about AI safety began after a fallout with Google co-founder Larry Page, who reportedly called him a “specieist” for being “pro-humanity”.
- A “Counterpoint” to Google: He argued that OpenAI was intended as a non-profit, open-source counterweight to Google’s AI efforts.
- The “Tail Wagging the Dog”: Musk clarified that while he wasn’t entirely opposed to a small for-profit subsidiary to fund the mission, he believed it had become the dominant force.
- Work Ethic & Lifestyle: Under questioning, Musk spoke about his 80–100 hour work weeks and noted that he does not own vacation homes or yachts, contrasting his personal investment with what he claimed was the “unjust enrichment” of Altman and Brockman.
The Defense’s Counter-Argument
Lawyers for Altman and OpenAI portrayed Musk as a “competitor” who is lashing out because he failed to gain full control over the company before exiting in 2018.
- “Stuck it out”: Defense attorney Savitt claimed that Musk became “furious” only after Altman and Brockman successfully launched ChatGPT.
- Unmet Pledges: The defense argued that Musk promised $1 billion in investment but provided only a fraction of that amount.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of the trial could have massive implications for the future of AI governance and corporate law:
- Valuation Impact: OpenAI is currently seeking to go public with a valuation of roughly $1 trillion.
- Leadership Removal: Musk is seeking the removal of Sam Altman as CEO and Greg Brockman as President, as well as a rollback of the company’s for-profit restructuring.
- Financial Restitution: The lawsuit demands that the defendants “disgorge” tens of billions of dollars in gains received through the for-profit conversion.
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