Musk v. Altman Trial: Butt Cushions in the Courtroom

On Wednesday, witnesses in the Musk v. Altman trial testified before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Observers noted a notable presence of butt cushions and pillows on the benches reserved for OpenAI and Microsoft counsel and executives.

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The case pits Musk against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over undisclosed claims. Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI has involved more than $100 billion in spending, a figure repeatedly cited in coverage of the trial.

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• Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers – presiding judge.

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• Sam Altman – OpenAI CEO, present.

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• Che Chang – OpenAI general counsel, used a cushion behind his back.

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• Greg Brockman – OpenAI president; his wife Anna also used white pillows.

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• Joshua Achiam – OpenAI chief futurist, temporarily seated for Brockman.

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• Microsoft – corporate partner financing OpenAI.

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• Unnamed technology lawyer – commented on courtroom practices.

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Microsoft’s cumulative investment in OpenAI exceeds $100 billion. About 10 individuals used cushions or pillows; the priciest cushion, a black Purple model sold at Target, costs $120, while a set of white Coop pillows retails for $35.

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Wooden benches on the courtroom’s right side were allocated to the defense. Attendees used thick black cushions, square or rounded-corner designs. An OpenAI bodyguard entered with a purple handbag containing a pillow for each Brockman. When Greg Brockman was without a pillow, Anna passed him a replacement before taking hers.

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OpenAI did not respond to a comment request. The technology lawyer said the use of cushions is not a common practice but not entirely unexpected.

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The lawyer noted the practice is uncommon and suggested that the trial’s length may have prompted the accommodation, adding that he had never seen lawyers use pillows or cushions during such a prolonged trial.

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• “The courtroom is littered with butt cushions.” — Wired reporter

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• “Some cushions have rounded corners, while others are square.” — Wired reporter

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• “On Wednesday, Chang even put one behind his back, a less common but not unprecedented move in the courtroom.” — Wired reporter

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• “OpenAI President Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna, have watched a considerable portion of the trial—and have both been prolific users of pristine white pillows.” — Wired reporter

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• “it's not totally out of left field.” — Unnamed technology lawyer

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The use of comfort accessories indicates the trial’s extended duration and the steps taken by legal teams to mitigate fatigue. The presence of such items also reflects the resources available to the parties.

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With final testimonies completed, the court will move to post-testimony motions and rulings; no further schedule details have been disclosed.

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