Musk's OpenAI Trial Testimony Highlights Control, For-Profit Tensions, and Ties to Zilis

On the stand for nearly three hours, Elon Musk explained why he sued OpenAI and its cofounders, criticizing OpenAI’s shift toward a for‑profit subsidiary amid Microsoft’s $10 billion investment and recounting his initial interest in a CEO-like role—ultimately choosing not to due to optics and commitments at SpaceX and Tesla. The testimony scrutinized Musk’s communications with Shivon Zilis, including notes about forming a for‑profit entity and potential staff moves between OpenAI, Tesla, and Musk ventures, as well as Musk’s envisioned compensation plans for OpenAI staff. He also described his reaction to the Microsoft investment as a “bait and switch” and discussed the broader controversy over OpenAI’s governance and structure.