Microsoft distances itself from Musk v Altman trial, calls OpenAI board drama ‘amateur city’
The software giant seeks to remain detached from the ongoing legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, with lawyers emphasising their absence from key events and internal records.
Microsoft is actively seeking to distance itself from the ongoing legal dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman regarding OpenAI. During the trial, the company’s legal team minimised its involvement in the internal disputes, emphasising that it was not present during key events and received no prior notification.
CEO Satya Nadella testified, describing the 2023 board drama at OpenAI, which resulted in Sam Altman’s brief ousting, as “amateur city.” Nadella’s testimony was characterised as mild-mannered and largely unmemorable, with this remark standing out as his only notable comment.
Microsoft’s opening statement was described as an advertisement for its own products, implying the absurdity of the trial while promoting its brand. Internal emails revealed Microsoft’s early concerns about whether funding OpenAI was a good idea and how to avoid becoming the “IBM to OpenAI’s Microsoft.”
Microsoft is notably absent from primary decision-making records, such as extensive text message threads and diary entries presented during the trial. Microsoft lawyers asked a series of rhetorical questions during their examination, confirming that Microsoft personnel were not present during key incidents and were not informed of them.
Microsoft was an early and major funder of OpenAI’s for-profit company. The trial involves high drama from Musk, his associates, and OpenAI, including wrangling over equity and Musk’s “I’ve had enough” email.
