Story perspectives

Elon Musk sues OpenAI for $150 B in Oakland trial

4/29/2026

Summary

Musk Sues OpenAI

A court in Oakland heard Elon Musk’s $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
Musk claimed he co-founded OpenAI in 2015, contributed $38 million, and called the for-profit shift ‘stealing a charity.’
OpenAI lawyers say Musk sought control, pushed for a for-profit arm, and filed the suit after losing influence.
The three-week trial will feature Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Satya Nadella and a nine-person jury delivering a verdict.

Summary

Musk’s Feuds

In February 2025, Mark Zuckerberg texted Elon Musk DOGE assistance about OpenAI, and Musk replied with emoji and asked if a purchase was feasible.
Musk called Jeff Bezos a “tool” in a 2016 email, repeated it in a 2025 deposition, and judge ruled his Burning Man testimony inadmissible.
Shivon Zilis served on OpenAI’s board 2020-2023, texted Elon Musk in Feb 2018 staying “close and friendly,” and Sam Altman called her an “Elon whisperer.”

History

Historical Context

The 1998 antitrust suit by the DOJ and 20 states against Microsoft, culminating in a 2000 court order to split the firm, set a precedent for breaking up tech monopolies. That precedent underpins Elon Musk’s $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI, pitting the billionaire founder against a fast-growing AI company and its board.

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Musk Sues OpenAI

A court in Oakland heard Elon Musk’s $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
Musk claimed he co-founded OpenAI in 2015, contributed $38 million, and called the for-profit shift ‘stealing a charity.’
OpenAI lawyers say Musk sought control, pushed for a for-profit arm, and filed the suit after losing influence.
The three-week trial will feature Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Satya Nadella and a nine-person jury delivering a verdict.

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