Musk accuses Altman of stealing a charity as courtroom battle begins

Altman is also expected to testify during the trial, according to the reporting accompanying the proceedings.

Musk's lawyers argued for breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment, seeking billions in 'wrongful gains' to fund OpenAI's non-profit arm. OpenAI contended Musk wanted to merge OpenAI with Tesla and left the company when he couldn't control it, implying he disrupted OpenAI rather than supporting its non-profit status.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers decided against imposing a gag order to prevent participants from discussing the trial outside the courtroom. The judge also urged parties to avoid influencing the trial via social media, and Musk's lawyer Steven Molo reminded jurors to set aside personal opinions.

The trial opened in Oakland, California. Musk took the stand and described the dispute as simple, saying 'it's not okay to steal a charity.' OpenAI's lawyer argued Musk sought to kneecap a competitor. Opening statements included Musk's view that AI should not be used to enrich individuals, and OpenAI described Musk as having left the company after losing control.

Musk used his social media platform X to label Sam Altman as 'Scam Altman' as jurors were being chosen.

A nine-person jury was selected in Oakland, California for the case involving Elon Musk and Sam Altman over OpenAI's charitable origins and governance. On the same day, Musk posted on X referring to Altman as 'Scam Altman'.