OpenAI chief Sam Altman denied allegations of betraying Elon Musk during a trial focused on the company’s shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. Musk contends that this transition breaches their original agreements intended to benefit humanity, while OpenAI argues that the for-profit structure is essential for competing in AI development and continuing its safety mission. Altman further testified that Musk had previously sought a controlling stake in the company and proposed merging it into Tesla, which OpenAI rejected in order to maintain its independence.

OpenAI: OpenAI is an AI research organization that originally launched as a nonprofit dedicated to developing safe artificial general intelligence but restructured into a capped-profit entity to attract necessary funding and talent. In the ongoing federal trial brought by Elon Musk, OpenAI is defending its for-profit transition, with CEO Sam Altman testifying that the change supports the company’s mission and was not a betrayal of founding agreements.
Elon Musk: Elon Musk leads xAI to advance understanding of the universe through AI, alongside his roles at Tesla and SpaceX. As the plaintiff in the current lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, Musk alleges that the company deviated from its nonprofit origins by prioritizing profits, damaging its original mission.
Sam Altman: Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, leading the development of advanced AI models amid rapid industry growth. During his recent testimony on May 12, 2026, in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, Altman denied betraying Musk, rejected claims that OpenAI was Musk’s idea, and defended the shift to a for-profit structure as essential for the organization’s survival and impact.

Trial Focus: The lawsuit centers on OpenAI’s restructuring from nonprofit to for-profit, which Musk claims breaches original agreements to benefit humanity.
Defense Argument: OpenAI contends the for-profit model is necessary to compete in AI development and fulfill its safety mission, with Musk initially supporting such a plan.
Testimony Highlights: Altman testified that Musk demanded a controlling stake and proposed merging OpenAI into Tesla, offers that were rejected to maintain independence.