Former OpenAI technology chief Mira Murati testified that CEO Sam Altman sowed distrust among top executives as the company developed and deployed artificial intelligence software, according to testimony played Wednesday in federal court.
Murati’s recorded testimony was played in Oakland, California, during the second week of Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI over its shift toward a for-profit structure.
Murati, who briefly served as OpenAI CEO after the board temporarily ousted Altman in 2023, said her concern was that Altman would say “one thing to one person and completely the opposite to another.”
She said Altman was “creating chaos” and, at times, had been deceptive toward her and others while undermining her role as technology chief.
Murati said she still wanted Altman to remain CEO and asked board members for a fuller explanation of his removal because she believed OpenAI was at “catastrophic risk of falling apart.”
Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, sued the company in 2024, alleging it improperly became a for-profit company, abandoned its charitable goals and should return to nonprofit control.
Musk is seeking USD 150 billion in damages from OpenAI and investor Microsoft, with the proceeds to benefit the startup’s charitable arm.
Former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis also testified that the board had “extreme concern” about releasing ChatGPT without board communication. Zilis now works for Musk’s Neuralink.
The trial has also included testimony and details involving Musk, OpenAI President Greg Brockman and disputes among founders and executives over leadership, funding and the company’s growth strategy.
