Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella defended his company’s partnership with OpenAI in a US courtroom as part of the ongoing legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI leadership.
Nadella told the court that Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar investment in OpenAI was a commercial decision based on business strategy, not a philanthropic move. He also stated that Elon Musk did not raise objections at the time Microsoft deepened its involvement with the AI firm.
The case has been filed by Musk against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company shifted away from its original mission as a non-profit-focused AI research organisation after building close ties with Microsoft.
During his testimony, Nadella also criticised OpenAI’s internal handling of the brief removal of Altman in 2023. He described the board’s actions during that period as poorly managed and “amateurish,” pointing to confusion in communication and governance.
Microsoft has invested billions of dollars into OpenAI and now plays a central role in its technology ecosystem, making the partnership a key focus in the dispute.