Ultraman Drops a Bombshell: Musk Still Wants to Control OpenAI Even After Death

In the highly anticipated "Musk vs. Altman" trial on Tuesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman personally took the stand to testify.

Facing a barrage of questions from Musk's legal team about his "integrity," Altman mounted a staunch defense, revealing shocking details about Musk's attempt to turn OpenAI into a "family legacy."

Integrity Clash in Court

The courtroom was charged with tension. Musk's lawyer, Steven Molo, started with a direct challenge: "Are you completely trustworthy?"

During the heated confrontation that followed, Molo pressed Altman on whether he had ever lied or misled business partners for commercial gain. Altman admitted he may not always tell the truth in life, but firmly denied deceiving for commercial interests.

Although the cross-examination put Altman on the spot multiple times, it was also seen as a crucial attempt by Musk to take the initiative in the courtroom and public opinion. Before the trial, Musk sent private messages threatening OpenAI's高层, saying Altman and Brockman would become "the most hated people in America."

"Chilling" Lust for Power

In his testimony, Altman painted a picture of Musk with an intense desire for power, recalling that Musk has long been obsessed with controlling OpenAI and even suggested that control of OpenAI should pass to his children after his death. Altman described the moment as "chilling" and said the team felt deeply uneasy about it.

Furthermore, Altman pointed out that Musk attempted to establish an AI division within Tesla in 2018 and invited him to lead it, which at the time sounded like a "vague and mild threat," implying that Musk intended to utterly crush OpenAI with or without Altman's participation.

Legal Loopholes in Musk's Case

Despite the intense trial proceedings, there seem to be legal flaws in Musk's lawsuit. Musk accused Altman of "stealing" $38 million he donated to a non-profit organization and using it to build a for-profit empire valued at over $850 billion.

However, both Altman and Musk's former chief of staff, Sam Teller, testified that they did not recall Musk attaching any specific conditions to the donation.

More critically, legal experts note that Musk may have filed the lawsuit too late, beyond the statute of limitations—he sued many years after stopping donations and becoming suspicious of OpenAI, which could be a key point for the case to be dismissed.

Considering Jumping Ship to Microsoft for Big Money

Reflecting on the "boardroom coup" that shocked the tech world in 2023, Altman became emotional.

He revealed that, in the extreme anger following his dismissal, he had planned to accept an invitation from Microsoft CEO Nadella to abandon OpenAI with the core team and start a "pure and highly lucrative" research project at Microsoft.

But he ultimately decided to return, saying it was to "safeguard the mission and colleagues."

Musk's "Chainsaw Management" Demoralizes Morale

Altman was unsparing in his criticism of Musk's management style in court.

He pointed out that Musk implemented a "show results or get fired" up-or-out system within the company, demanding executives cut lower-ranked researchers with a "chainsaw."

Altman said this high-pressure environment severely dampened researchers' enthusiasm and was incompatible with OpenAI's culture.

Mundane "War of Words" Over Contributions

Altman also attempted to undermine Musk's position as the "founding father."

He told the jury that, despite Musk being the world's richest man, his donations ceased at $38 million, and he only came to the office once or twice a week.

In contrast, Altman said he invested millions of dollars in cash and all his energy, while the other two founders were "working every waking minute."

Absent Musk

Notably, when Altman was being questioned on the witness stand, Musk himself was not present. Flight records show Musk was flying to Washington D.C. on Tuesday, then off with President Trump to China. OpenAI President Greg Brockman and his wife Anna were present for the entire trial.

currently, this lawsuit involving the fate of OpenAI is nearing its end. Although the nine-person jury will give recommendations, the final decision still rests with Federal Judge Rogers. The verdict of this case will directly impact