Shivon Zilis Emerges as Key Connector in Musk vs. OpenAI Trial

Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member and mother to Musk’s children, testified this week in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, describing how she acted as a conduit between Musk and OpenAI’s leadership during OpenAI’s early years, including funding discussions and proposals around for-profit structures. OpenAI accused her of knowing Musk’s plans to launch a rival, while Zilis asserted her relationship with Musk did not influence her duties on the board. The testimony adds detail to the case, which could have major ramifications for the AI race, including potential remedies that could revert OpenAI to nonprofit status and alter its leadership if Musk wins.