OpenAI has filed a countersuit against Elon Musk, accusing the billionaire of engaging in a campaign of harassment aimed at undermining the company. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, seeks to prevent Musk from further actions that OpenAI describes as “unlawful and unfair,” including public attacks, legal claims, and a purportedly insincere acquisition bid.
Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but departed in 2018, has been a vocal critic of the company’s shift from a non-profit to a for-profit structure. He initially sued OpenAI over its restructuring plans, alleging a departure from its original mission to benefit humanity. Although he dropped that lawsuit in June, he filed a new one in August. In February, Musk led a consortium in a $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI, which CEO Sam Altman promptly rejected.
OpenAI’s countersuit claims that Musk has used his substantial social media following to conduct a “malicious campaign” against the company, including press attacks and legal maneuvers. The company alleges that Musk’s actions are part of a broader effort to harm OpenAI’s reputation and operations.
This legal battle underscores the escalating tensions between Musk and OpenAI, reflecting broader debates about the commercialization of artificial intelligence and the responsibilities of tech leaders in guiding its development. A jury trial is expected to commence in spring 2026, potentially setting significant precedents for corporate governance and the ethical deployment of AI technologies.
