Altman Testifies Musk Proposed Transferring OpenAI to His Children as 'Hair-Raising' Option

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has testified to a conversation with Elon Musk he described as "particularly hair-raising," during which the SpaceX founder allegedly explored transferring control of the artificial intelligence organization to his own children. The testimony emerged from ongoing legal proceedings and represents the latest revelation in a dispute that has placed two of the technology industry's most prominent figures in direct opposition.

The conversation reportedly occurred amid escalating tensions between Musk and OpenAI's current leadership over the organization's direction and governance structure. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but departed the board in 2018, has repeatedly criticized the company for straying from its original nonprofit mission and for becoming too closely aligned with Microsoft. The proposed transfer of control to a private family interest would have represented a dramatic restructuring of an entity that positioned itself as a counterweight to Big Tech dominance in AI development.

The testimony adds a personal dimension to an already complex legal battle that includes allegations from both sides. OpenAI has filed claims against Musk, while Musk has countered with his own actions against the organization. Industry observers note the disclosure underscores how questions of AI governance and control have become increasingly contentious as the technology approaches capabilities that regulators worldwide are scrambling to address. The proceedings continue to expose fault lines in how some of Silicon Valley's most influential actors view the future stewardship of transformative technology.