Elon Musk Claims He Created OpenAI — Legal Team Says Power Struggle Behind Lawsuit

Key Points Elon Musk claimed in court he established OpenAI, provided initial capital, and brought in its core team members The lawsuit targets OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Greg Brockman for allegedly betraying the nonprofit charter Musk demands $150 billion in damages, proposing funds be directed to OpenAI’s nonprofit division Defense attorneys contend Musk pursued control and filed suit after being denied leadership authority The presiding judge cautioned Musk about online commentary following his “Scam Altman” posts on X Elon Musk appeared in a San Francisco federal courtroom Tuesday, delivering testimony in his legal action against OpenAI and its executives Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. The case questions whether OpenAI violated its original commitment to operate as a nonprofit serving humanity’s interests. During his testimony, Musk asserted he originated the concept for OpenAI, assembled its founding team, and supplied the initial capital. “I came up with the idea, the name, recruited the key people, taught them everything I know, provided all of the initial funding,” he stated under oath. Musk emphasized his intentional decision to establish a nonprofit structure. “It was specifically meant to be for a charity that does not benefit any individual person,” he explained. “I could’ve started it as a for-profit and I specifically chose not to.” The billionaire positioned his legal challenge as protecting charitable institutions across America. “If we make it OK to loot a charity, the entire foundation of charitable giving in America will be destroyed,” he declared. His lawsuit demands $150 billion in compensation from OpenAI and [[LINK_START_0]]Microsoft[[LINK_END_0]], with those funds earmarked for OpenAI’s charitable entity. Additionally, he seeks Altman’s removal from leadership and the company’s reversion to nonprofit status. Defense Presents Counter-Narrative OpenAI’s chief counsel William Savitt presented jurors with an alternative account. According to Savit...