Observed Signal · Apr 29, 2026 · Legal Proceeding · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Elon Musk Testifies, Contradicts His Own Tweets
Elon Musk testified in a U.S. federal court on April 29, 2026, in a lawsuit he filed challenging OpenAI’s corporate structure, alleging cofounders misled him and effectively “looted the nonprofit.” Under oath he admitted Tesla is not currently pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI), contradicting a recent post claiming Tesla would be among companies to build AGI. During cross-examination OpenAI’s lawyer William Savitt questioned Musk about his earlier support for moving OpenAI toward for-profit structures, Microsoft’s evolving investment terms, efforts by Musk-linked companies (Tesla, Neuralink) to recruit OpenAI staff, and past donation amounts. The judge limited but signaled continued questioning about safety approaches; additional witnesses expected include Jared Birchall, Stuart Russell and OpenAI president Greg Brockman. The testimony centers on distinctions around capped-profit investor terms and safety implications of OpenAI’s corporate changes.
High-profile legal challenge involving OpenAI and Elon Musk could influence AI company governance, safety debates and investor structures—matters material to the broader AI ecosystem and partnerships.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Elon Musk testified in a California federal court on April 29, 2026, in a lawsuit challenging OpenAI’s corporate structure.
- Under oath Musk stated that Tesla is not currently pursuing AGI, contradicting a recent post claiming Tesla would be among companies to make AGI.
- Musk alleges Sam Altman and other OpenAI cofounders moved OpenAI toward a for-profit model after initially backing a nonprofit.
- OpenAI’s lawyer William Savitt cross-examined Musk about past discussions to convert OpenAI to for-profit status, Microsoft’s changing profit limits, Musk’s donations and hiring/poaching efforts by Tesla and Neuralink.
- Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers limited questions about AI-caused scandals but allowed further scrutiny of xAI and OpenAI safety approaches; additional witnesses expected include Jared Birchall, Stuart Russell and Greg Brockman.
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Musk Cross-Examined in OpenAI Trial
On April 29, 2026, Elon Musk continued testifying in his lawsuit challenging OpenAI’s conversion from a nonprofit to a for-profit structure. During a heated cross-examination by OpenAI attorney William Savitt, Musk said he lacked detailed knowledge of OpenAI’s internal safety efforts and was unsure what “safety cards” are. Musk reiterated that his roughly $38 million in early donations helped found OpenAI and said Microsoft’s reported $10 billion investment was a tipping point that eroded his trust in the organization. The case centers on claims of breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment; Microsoft is also a named defendant. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is overseeing a two-phase trial (liability then remedies). Musk’s testimony is expected to continue, and Jared Birchall is slated as the next witness.
Brockman Rebuts Musk, Describes Tesla Work
Greg Brockman, a top OpenAI executive, testified in the Musk v. OpenAI trial, disputing Elon Musk’s account of OpenAI’s early history and rebutting claims about the organisation’s corporate structure and his personal commitments. During testimony he revealed that OpenAI expects to spend roughly $50 billion on compute this year and that the organisation has announced plans for more than $1 trillion in AI infrastructure investments over coming years. Musk alleges co‑founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman diverted OpenAI’s value into a for‑profit arm; OpenAI contends the nonprofit core retains control and that a for‑profit vehicle was necessary to raise large-scale capital. Brockman also described past interactions involving Tesla staff and addressed personal financial questions raised during cross-examination.
Musk v. Altman: High‑Profile OpenAI Lawsuit Continues
Elon Musk spent roughly three days on the witness stand this week in his lawsuit against OpenAI, where he alleges that Sam Altman betrayed OpenAI’s original nonprofit mission by converting the organisation to a for‑profit model. During testimony, emails, texts and Musk’s tweets have been introduced as evidence. TechCrunch’s Equity podcast (video) covered the courtroom developments, noted more witnesses remain to testify, and discussed related topics including Big Tech earnings and the limits of the current AI spending cycle. The piece was published by TechCrunch on May 1, 2026.
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