Altman Reveals Muskian Moment, Weighs Microsoft Offer After OpenAI Ouster

The lawsuit, filed by Musk, claims OpenAI has abandoned its nonprofit mission and now serves private interests, especially those of Altman and Microsoft. Musk alleges that OpenAI’s leadership conspired with Microsoft to “steal a charity” after he donated $38 million in early funding. Altman has countered that Musk’s suit is driven by revenge for losing the CEO role and for xAI lagging behind OpenAI’s progress.

- Musk spent three grueling days on the stand, at times losing his temper as OpenAI’s counsel challenged his claims. - Altman testified for about four hours; he began jittery but steadied quickly and left the stand after presenting evidence he says disproves Musk’s allegations. - During his testimony, Altman said he seriously entertained walking away from OpenAI forever after the 2023 board ouster and accepting a Microsoft AI research position that would have made him rich.

The testimony highlights the deep personal and strategic rift between Musk and Altman, shaping the battle over OpenAI’s governance and funding. It also shows that Altman’s loyalty to OpenAI was, at least momentarily, conditional on personal gain.