Musk boosts Altman criticism as OpenAI trial begins

Elon Musk used X on Monday to amplify a critical investigation into OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, as jury selection began in a jury trial tied to Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI.

Officials involved in the case did not provide additional details in the source material about the court’s location or schedule beyond the start of jury selection on Monday. The source material also noted that some prospective jurors voiced negative views about Musk or about AI.

Boosted post and platform labeling questions

The amplification centered on a post by Ronan Farrow, described as a co-author of a New Yorker article that detailed alleged deceptive behavior by Altman. Musk boosted Farrow’s post on X and also reposted the article from his personal account, adding commentary.

The boosted post appeared in users’ feeds without an explicit “ad” label, according to the source material. However, when users clicked a menu, the interface offered an option to “report ad.”

The source material said the post used X’s paid amplification feature. It also cited X’s policies stating that boosted posts must self-identify as advertisements.

Responses from the companies

Neither X nor OpenAI provided immediate comment on the boosting activity or the related circumstances described in the source material.

Claims in Musk’s lawsuit

Musk’s lawsuit names OpenAI, Sam Altman, President Greg Brockman, and Microsoft. The complaint alleges OpenAI moved away from its original non-profit mission to develop artificial general intelligence for the benefit of humanity.

The source material said Musk, described as an early investor and co-founder of OpenAI, claims his investment was misused. OpenAI disputes the allegation, saying Musk understood the organization would ultimately need to become a commercial entity to meet its objectives.

Uncertainties as the trial process starts

Beyond the start of jury selection on Monday, the source material did not describe what evidence would be presented at trial or how long proceedings might last. It also did not specify how the court will address prospective jurors’ stated negative views toward Musk or AI.

The case and the related social media activity place a high-profile dispute involving OpenAI’s mission and governance alongside questions about how paid amplification is labeled on a major platform owned by a party to the litigation.