STORY: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Tuesday rejected Elon Musk's claim that he betrayed the ChatGPT maker's founding mission to serve the public good.
Testifying for the first time in the landmark trial, Altman said that it was Musk who had sought to seize control of OpenAI and make money from it.
He took the stand in his own defense after Musk sued Altman and OpenAI, accusing them of persuading him to give $38 million...
only to see the nonprofit abandon its mission to benefit humanity and instead become a for-profit corporation.
The trial, now in its third week, may determine the future of OpenAI and its leadership, as it prepares for a possible initial public offering that could value the business at $1 trillion.
Under questioning from his lawyer, Altman denied Musk's contention that he and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, who is also a defendant, tried to "steal a charity."
Altman recalled Musk once demanding a 90% stake in OpenAI, and said he was "extremely uncomfortable" with ceding majority control even as Musk lessened his demands.
During cross-examination, Musk's lawyer challenged Altman's honesty.
He cited testimony from a former OpenAI board member that Altman fostered a "toxic culture of lying," and from seven former OpenAI board members and employees who said Altman was not trustworthy.
Altman said he believed he was an honest and trustworthy business person and did not think he misled people.
Musk is seeking about $150 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, a major investor, to be paid to an OpenAI nonprofit.
Musk also wants Altman removed as CEO.
