Ultraman is About to Testify, pivotal Moment for OpenAI vs Musk's Case

The most highly anticipated court showdown in the technology world is about to reach its climax.

The California court announced that Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, will testify in court on Tuesday and Wednesday. The lawsuit has entered its third week, and its outcome may directly affect the future direction of OpenAI and the fate of the current leadership— at a time when OpenAI is preparing for a potential IPO valued at over a trillion dollars and has raised tens of billions of dollars from major technology companies and investors.

Musk: The $38 million donation was for a charitable organization, not for a profit-making company

At the core of Musk's lawsuit is the claim that Altman and OpenAI persuaded him to donate $38 million to OpenAI as a charitable organization aimed at benefiting humanity, but OpenAI then abandoned its mission and transitioned into a for-profit company.

Musk stated in court that OpenAI was originally his idea, which was later "usurped" by executives, and his funds were "explicitly donated for a charitable organization."

He also admitted to having heard early discussions about transitioning OpenAI into a for-profit company, but Altman had assured him that the company would remain non-profit.

In response, OpenAI has countered that Musk was aware of the profit-making plan but only wanted control of the company. Among the legal remedies Musk is currently seeking is the removal of Altman and President Greg Brockman from their respective positions.

Sutskever's court appearance: Altman has a "pattern of continuous lying"

The trial has produced several noteworthy testimonies. Former OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever testified in court on Monday, stating that he spent about a year collecting evidence for the OpenAI board to demonstrate that Altman has a "pattern of continuous lying."

Previous witnesses who have taken the stand include OpenAI President Greg Brockman, former Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, and former board member Shivon Zilis—who is also the mother of Musk's four children.

This lawsuit is not just a commercial dispute but a very public struggle between two technology titans over mission, commitment, and power, with both Silicon Valley and the outside world holding their breath to see where things go after Altman's court appearance.