News-Musk-v-Altman-Trial-Day-6-2026
May 6, 2026 — Former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati testified via video deposition on Wednesday in the Musk v. Altman trial that CEO Sam Altman sowed distrust among top executives and created persistent chaos as OpenAI forged ahead with developing and deploying its artificial intelligence software.[1]
Murati, who served briefly as interim CEO after Altman was temporarily forced out by OpenAI's board in November 2023, told the federal court in Oakland, California that Altman was "saying one thing to one person and completely the opposite to another person." She described his leadership as "creating chaos" and said he was, at times, deceptive with her and other senior leaders.[1]
Key Testimony
Murati's recorded testimony painted a picture of an executive team in turmoil. She affirmed under oath that Altman pitted executives against one another and undermined her in her role as Chief Technology Officer. "OpenAI was at catastrophic risk of falling apart," Murati testified. "I was concerned about the company completely blowing up."[1]
Despite these concerns, Murati acknowledged that she wished Altman to continue as CEO and pressed board members for a fuller explanation of why they had ousted him in November 2023. This nuanced position — critical of Altman's management style while supporting his continued leadership — adds complexity to Musk's narrative that Altman's leadership was fundamentally incompatible with OpenAI's nonprofit mission.[1]
Trial Context
The testimony came during the second week of trial in Elon Musk's 2024 lawsuit alleging that OpenAI improperly converted to a for-profit entity, abandoned its charitable goals, and should be returned to nonprofit status. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, is seeking $150 billion in damages to be paid by OpenAI and investor Microsoft to benefit the startup's charitable arm.[1]
Murati has since left OpenAI and co-founded her own AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab. The trial continues with closing arguments expected in the coming days.
See Also
- Musk v. Altman et al — Case overview
- Musk v. Altman Trial — Day 5
- May 6, 2026 Daily Digest