Musk v. Altman Trial Enters Second Week with Scrutiny on Musk's Motivations

The trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI entered its second week as of May 8, 2026, with Musk alleging that CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman deceived him into donating $38 million to OpenAI. OpenAI countered by having Shivon Zilis reveal that Musk attempted to poach Altman, placing Musk's motivations for the lawsuit under scrutiny. Musk took the stand during the trial's first week.

Musk's fraud allegations

• ▪Elon Musk took the stand during the trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI in the week before May 8, 2026.
• ▪Elon Musk alleged that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman deceived Elon Musk into donating $38 million to OpenAI.

Trial proceedings

• ▪Elon Musk's motivations for bringing the suit against OpenAI were under scrutiny during the second week of the trial.
• ▪The trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI entered its second week as of May 8, 2026.

Perspective of OpenAI

• ▪Shivon Zilis revealed that Elon Musk attempted to poach Sam Altman from OpenAI, raising questions about Elon Musk's motivations for the lawsuit.
• ▪OpenAI fired back at Elon Musk's allegations during the second week of the trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI.

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