Tensions between Elon Musk and OpenAI are escalating further as their court battle approaches later this month. In the most recent twist, OpenAI has charged Musk with staging a 'legal ambush' through his new submissions, according to initial coverage from Bloomberg. The company submitted its rebuttal on Friday, outlining how Musk is allegedly undermining the opposition and sowing disorder in the case, all while attempting to reshape his storyline surrounding the litigation.
This litigation originated in 2024, with Musk filing suit against OpenAI and Microsoft for straying from its founding goal as a nonprofit entity and shifting to a profit-driven model following investments and a collaboration with Microsoft. Before OpenAI's recent document, Musk revised his initial claim this month to direct any awarded compensation toward OpenAI's nonprofit division. That update also aimed to remove Sam Altman from his positions as CEO and board member at OpenAI. Within its Friday submission, OpenAI argued that Musk's abrupt modifications lack legal validity and factual basis.
The case carries significant implications, as Musk is said to be pursuing compensation ranging from $79 billion to $134 billion for alleged unjust profits. OpenAI and Microsoft have rejected all accusations of misconduct, Bloomberg reports, and the proceedings remain scheduled to begin on April 27.