Altman Testifies Musk Once Sought 90% Stake in OpenAI Amid $150B Damage Suit

The lawsuit began in Oakland, California, where Musk accuses Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman of deviating from the nonprofit’s original mission by turning the firm into a for‑profit venture in 2019. Altman testified that Musk was aware of the for‑profit plans when he invested and even asked for a controlling share. The case has drawn attention because it pits two of the world’s richest tech figures against each other over the future of artificial intelligence.

Altman said Musk’s opening demand was for 90 % of OpenAI’s equity, a figure that later softened but remained a majority stake. Musk’s lawsuit seeks $150 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, one of its major investors. Meanwhile, OpenAI is readying a potential initial public offering that analysts say could push the company’s market value to $1 trillion.

If the court sides with Musk, OpenAI could face leadership changes and a massive financial penalty that might delay or reshape its IPO plans. A verdict favoring Altman would likely allow the current leadership to proceed with the public offering, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s valuation. The outcome will also signal how courts view disputes over charitable conversions in the tech sector.