Elon Musk seeks removal of Sam Altman from OpenAI board

The high-profile dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has taken a dramatic new turn, with Musk reportedly amending his lawsuit to seek Altman’s removal from the nonprofit board of OpenAI.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the revised filing also calls for Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman to relinquish any equity or financial gains to the organisation’s charitable arm.

The legal battle traces back to OpenAI’s founding in 2015 as a nonprofit, with Musk serving as co-chair before departing in 2019. 

Musk has since accused the company of straying from its original mission by pursuing profit-driven strategies, particularly following its partnership with Microsoft.

Musk first filed suit against OpenAI and Microsoft in March 2024, alleging a breach of the organisation’s founding principles. 

Earlier reports suggested he was seeking damages as high as $134 billion, though his attorney, Marc Toberoff, has now stated that Musk is “not seeking a single dollar for himself” in the amended complaint.

OpenAI has strongly rejected Musk’s latest move. In a statement posted on X, the company accused him of attempting to shift the narrative ahead of trial, calling the lawsuit a “harassment campaign” driven by personal motives and competitive rivalry.

The escalating conflict underscores a deepening rift between two of the most influential figures in AI, who have publicly clashed multiple times in recent years.

With the case set to go to trial later this month, the outcome could have significant implications for OpenAI’s governance and the broader AI industry.

As tensions mount, the courtroom showdown is expected to draw intense attention, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing power struggle shaping the future of artificial intelligence.