OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified Tuesday. He claimed co-founder Elon Musk sought total control of the AI research lab. Altman stated Musk suggested passing this control to his children.
The testimony occurred during an ongoing civil trial. Musk is suing Altman and OpenAI. He accuses them of betraying the company’s original non-profit mission.
Altman described a moment when founders questioned Musk about succession plans. He called the exchange hair-raising. Musk reportedly stated he might pass control to his children. Altman said this proposal made him uncomfortable.
These disagreements over governance and direction led to Musk’s departure from OpenAI in 2018.