OpenAI CEO defends commercial strategy in lawsuit with Elon Musk

Sam Altman testified in federal court that OpenAI did not abandon its public-interest mission as it expanded commercial operations.

He said Elon Musk pushed for a dominant role and more control over OpenAI’s direction, while Musk’s side attacked Altman’s credibility and alleged conflicts of interest.

The lawsuit centers on OpenAI’s 2023 internal crisis, its shift from nonprofit roots toward commercialization, and claims that the company broke its original mission.

The case could affect OpenAI’s leadership, corporate structure, funding model, and how AI companies balance public benefit with growth.