In a recent deposition, Zilis revealed that ChatGPT was launched in 2022 without prior notification to the entire OpenAI board, which had voiced significant concerns about the release due to the lack of communication. This testimony is part of Elon Musk’s ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI in Oakland federal court, where governance issues have surfaced regarding the organization’s transition to for-profit structures during Zilis’ tenure.

Zilis: Shivon Zilis is a director of operations and special projects at Neuralink, working on brain-computer interface innovations. She formerly served on OpenAI’s board from 2020 until her 2023 resignation amid governance tensions. During her May 2026 video testimony in Elon Musk’s federal lawsuit against OpenAI, she disclosed that ChatGPT was released in 2022 without notifying the board.
ChatGPT: ChatGPT is OpenAI’s prominent conversational AI chatbot powered by large language models, designed for natural dialogue and practical assistance. It continues to anchor OpenAI’s consumer-facing AI offerings amid rapid advancements in generative technology. In Shivon Zilis’ recent testimony during Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, she stated that the board was not informed prior to its 2022 public release.
Hadas Gold: Hadas Gold is a CNN correspondent based in New York City, focusing on AI developments and previously reporting from Jerusalem, London, and Washington D.C. She actively covers major AI-related legal proceedings. In this news item, she reported live from the Musk-OpenAI trial, quoting Shivon Zilis’ statement on ChatGPT’s unannounced launch.

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{
“Board Reaction”: “The entire OpenAI board voiced extreme concern over ChatGPT’s launch due to the complete lack of prior communication.”,
“Trial Testimony”: “Zilis’ deposition is part of ongoing proceedings in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI in Oakland federal court.”
}
`