Story perspectives

Elon Musk Sues OpenAI for $150 B, Seeks Altman's Ouster

5/9/2026

Summary

Musk Sues OpenAI

Elon Musk sued OpenAI in Oakland, demanding $150 billion and the removal of CEO Sam Altman.
Musk says his $40 million was breached when OpenAI gave a 26 percent stake valued over $200 billion to its for-profit arm.
OpenAI says the 2024 restructuring had Delaware and California attorney-general approval and created huge nonprofit value.
Legal analysts warn the suit could push state attorneys general to revisit the restructuring and affect OpenAI’s IPO.

Summary

Altman Fuels Chaos

Rosie Campbell testified OpenAI cut its long-term AI safety teams, prompting half her team to quit.
Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley said Sam Altman fostered a culture of lying and they did not trust his honesty.
Mira Murati claimed Elon Musk created chaos and Altman undermined her, limiting work.
Testimony from Shivon Zilis and David Schizer said communication was hampered by the Musk-co-founder split and withholding information breaches board partnership.

History

Historical Context

OpenAI began in 2015 as a nonprofit founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman and others to ensure safe AI. After Musk left the board in 2018, the firm created a for-profit arm and, in December 2024, restructured into a public-benefit corporation giving the nonprofit a 26 % stake. Musk’s February 2024 lawsuit revives the original nonprofit-profit clash.

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Musk Sues OpenAI

Elon Musk sued OpenAI in Oakland, demanding $150 billion and the removal of CEO Sam Altman.
Musk says his $40 million was breached when OpenAI gave a 26 percent stake valued over $200 billion to its for-profit arm.
OpenAI says the 2024 restructuring had Delaware and California attorney-general approval and created huge nonprofit value.
Legal analysts warn the suit could push state attorneys general to revisit the restructuring and affect OpenAI’s IPO.

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