The legal fight between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has escalated as Musk appeared in court and gave testimony in a closely watched trial over the future of the AI company.
Musk, who helped found OpenAI in 2015, told the court that the organisation was originally created to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. He claims that over time, it moved away from that goal and became more focused on profit and commercial growth.
He also argued that OpenAI’s shift, especially after receiving major investment from Microsoft, went against its founding principles. Musk is now asking the court to remove Sam Altman and other top executives, reverse the company’s current structure, and award damages.
OpenAI has strongly denied these allegations. The company says its transition to a more commercial model was necessary to fund large-scale AI development. It also points out that Musk himself had considered similar directions before leaving the organisation.
The case has attracted global attention because it involves some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence. It also raises important questions about how AI companies should be structured and who should control advanced technologies.
During his testimony, Musk said his main concern was ensuring that AI remains safe and accessible, rather than being controlled by a few powerful companies or driven mainly by profit.
OpenAI, on the other hand, maintains that its current model allows it to raise the resources needed to compete in a rapidly evolving industry. The company says it remains committed to responsible AI development.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with both sides presenting evidence, including emails and internal discussions.