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Sam Altman Testifies in Musk Trial, Rejects ‘Stealing a Charity’ Claim

His testimony sets up an advisory jury decision next week that could reshape OpenAI’s leadership and structure.

Overview

  • Altman took the stand Tuesday in Oakland and told jurors he cannot understand Musk’s claim that OpenAI leaders “stole a charity.”
  • He testified that Musk sought majority control, at one point floating a 90% stake, and even suggested passing control to his children if he died.
  • Musk alleges Altman and Greg Brockman induced about $38 million in donations to a nonprofit that later shifted value into a for‑profit arm.
  • He is asking the court to remove Altman and Brockman, unwind the for‑profit structure, and direct profits back to OpenAI’s charitable foundation.
  • OpenAI counters that Musk knew a for‑profit plan was coming and wanted control, a case it bolstered as Satya Nadella said Musk never raised concerns, with the jury set to weigh liability next week before the judge rules on remedies.