Elon Musk Calls OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ‘Utterly Untrustworthy’ in Latest Dispute

Elon Musk has described OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as an “utterly untrustworthy A**HOLE” and accused him of having “stole an open source nonprofit,” escalating an ongoing dispute between the technology entrepreneur and the artificial intelligence company’s leadership.

Musk made the remarks while commenting on Apple’s recent request for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI and forensic supervision of the company, according to information shared on X by @coinbureau.

The comments add another public confrontation between Musk and Altman to a broader dispute surrounding OpenAI’s corporate structure, governance and transformation from its original nonprofit model.

Musk Responds to Apple’s Legal Request

Musk’s latest comments came in response to developments involving Apple and OpenAI. Apple recently requested a preliminary injunction against OpenAI as well as forensic supervision of the company, according to the information cited in the original post.

A preliminary injunction is a court order intended to preserve the status quo or prevent certain actions while legal proceedings continue. Forensic supervision, in this context, would involve oversight designed to examine or monitor relevant corporate activities and records.

Musk used the discussion surrounding Apple’s request to direct criticism at Altman, one of the most prominent figures in the artificial intelligence industry.

His comments were sharply worded, describing Altman as an “utterly untrustworthy A**HOLE” and accusing him of taking control of what Musk characterized as an open-source nonprofit.

The remarks represent Musk’s latest criticism of Altman and OpenAI.

Dispute Centers on OpenAI’s Corporate Structure

Musk was one of the co-founders of OpenAI, which was established as a nonprofit artificial intelligence research organization before developing a more complex corporate structure.

Musk later left the organization and has since become financial a prominent critic of OpenAI and its leadership. His disagreements with the company have included questions concerning its mission, governance and business direction.

OpenAI has increasingly operated through a structure involving both nonprofit and for-profit entities. The company has also been working on changes to its corporate structure as it seeks to expand its artificial intelligence operations and secure substantial investment.

Musk’s characterization of OpenAI as an “open source nonprofit” reflects his criticism of how the organization has evolved from its original structure.

Musk and Altman Remain Public Rivals

The latest exchange highlights the continuing public tension between Musk and Altman.

Both executives have become central figures in the development of generative artificial intelligence, but their approaches to the technology and their views on OpenAI’s direction have diverged substantially.

Musk has established xAI, an artificial intelligence company that competes in the rapidly expanding AI markets. OpenAI, meanwhile, has developed products and services around its artificial intelligence models and has pursued partnerships and investments to support its expansion.

The relationship between Musk and Altman has consequently become a recurring feature of debates over AI development, corporate governance and the responsibilities of companies building increasingly powerful systems.

Musk’s latest statement does not by itself determine the outcome of Apple’s legal request or any separate proceedings involving OpenAI. The comments were made as part of his reaction to the legal development rather than as a formal finding by a court.

The dispute nevertheless underscores the increasingly complex legal and corporate environment surrounding major AI companies. OpenAI faces scrutiny from multiple directions as it continues developing its business structure, while its relationship with former co-founder Musk remains contentious.

For now, Musk’s latest remarks add another chapter to the long-running disagreement between the two technology figures, this time in connection with Apple’s request for preliminary relief and forensic supervision involving OpenAI.

Writer: Victoria Hale
Technology & Blockchain Writer

Victoria Hale writes about blockchain technology, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of emerging technologies with finance. Her articles explore how new protocols and systems are shaping the evolving digital economy.

She prioritises clarity and accuracy when explaining technical developments to a general audience.