Shivon Zilis, partner of Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, has shed light on her role on the board of OpenAI and the potential funneling of information to Musk. Zilis was interrogated about her possible role in passing information to Musk while serving on OpenAI’s board. She affirmed her loyalty to the “best outcome of AI for humanity” during her testimony.
OpenAI Structures and Proposals
Zilis disclosed that there were several potential structures proposed for OpenAI, including Musk’s suggestion that OpenAI become a subsidiary of Tesla. This proposal, however, was rejected by OpenAI cofounders Ilya Sutskever, Sam Altman, and Greg Brockman. Zilis also testified that Musk expressed concerns about a talent competition between Tesla and OpenAI when he left the OpenAI board in 2018. She noted that Musk had recruited a top AI researcher from OpenAI to join Tesla just days before his departure.
Zilis’ Role In The Trial
Zilis first connected with Elon Musk through OpenAI in 2016, later serving in advisory and board roles while also working across Musk’s companies. OpenAI executives portrayed her as a close Musk adviser and intermediary, though both Zilis and Musk’s team say she acted independently. Zilis joined OpenAI’s board in 2020 and left in 2023 after Musk launched xAI. During this period, she and Musk had four children together, a fact that became part of the testimony.
Feud Intensifies In Court
Musk’s involvement with OpenAI has been a subject of controversy. He is seeking $134 billion in damages and major changes at OpenAI, including replacing its leadership and restoring its original structure. OpenAI has dismissed the lawsuit as a “harassment campaign,” arguing the dispute is driven by Musk not getting “his way.” The escalating feud is now shaping the tone of the proceedings. Musk testified having backed OpenAI with millions of dollars under the belief it would remain a nonprofit focused on humanity. However, he admitted he did not fully review the legal details of the 2017 restructuring of OpenAI, leading to a personal feud with OpenAI’s leadership, including Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
Trial Turns Into Legal ‘Soap Opera’
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the ongoing case a “soap opera,” warning that the increasingly personal tone could prolong the dispute, turning what might have been a contained legal matter into a drawn-out courtroom battle. The liability phase is expected to continue through mid-May, followed by a possible remedies phase. Despite the heated exchanges, Ives said he expects the outcome to cause only “scrapes and bruises,” without posing a serious threat to OpenAI or Sam Altman’s leadership.
Key Points
- Zilis served on OpenAI’s board from 2020 to 2023
- Musk suggested OpenAI become a subsidiary of Tesla, which was rejected
- Musk is seeking $134 billion in damages and changes at OpenAI
- The dispute is driven by Musk’s belief that OpenAI should remain a nonprofit
- The trial is expected to continue through mid-May, with a possible remedies phase to follow
Conclusion
The legal dispute between Elon Musk and OpenAI continues to intensify, with Zilis’ testimony shedding light on the potential funneling of information to Musk. The feud is driven by Musk’s belief that OpenAI should remain a nonprofit, and his desire to replace its leadership and restore its original structure. The trial is expected to continue, with the outcome potentially causing “scrapes and bruises” but not posing a serious threat to OpenAI or its leadership.