Musk Seeks $134 bn in OpenAI Lawsuit While Warning AI Could End Humanity

TL;DR: Elon Musk is demanding $134 billion in damages to fund OpenAI’s non‑profit arm and warned that AI could become a “terminator” threat to humanity.

The federal courtroom in Oakland heard the latest round of testimony in the three‑week trial over the split between Elon Musk and OpenAI. Musk, a co‑founder of the organization in 2015, argues that Sam Altman and OpenAI’s leadership broke an original agreement by converting the venture from a charitable mission into a for‑profit enterprise.

Key facts emerged on Thursday. Musk’s longtime aide, Jared Birchall, testified that he oversaw roughly 60 donations from Musk between 2016 and 2020, totaling about $38 million. Those contributions were directed to OpenAI before the company’s shift to a profit model. Musk is now seeking $134 billion in damages, insisting the sum be redirected to the nonprofit side of OpenAI.

During cross‑examination, Musk repeated his familiar refrain that “you can’t just steal a charity.” He also warned that the worst‑case scenario for artificial intelligence mirrors the plot of *Terminator*: an autonomous system that could ultimately kill humanity. The remark prompted the judge to limit discussion of extinction in the case.

OpenAI’s legal team denies the allegations, claiming Musk was aware of the for‑profit plans and that his lawsuit stems from jealousy over the company’s success. The firm maintains that a nonprofit board still oversees its activities, despite the profit‑driven arm.

The trial’s outcome could reshape governance of AI research firms. If Musk’s claim succeeds, OpenAI may be forced to revert to a purely nonprofit structure and allocate billions of dollars to that entity. Conversely, a defeat would reinforce the legitimacy of hybrid models that blend charitable goals with commercial funding.

Industry observers will watch the upcoming testimony of Sam Altman and the jury’s reaction to the financial figures. The next week could determine whether the legal battle curtails the profit motive in AI development or solidifies the current dual‑track approach.