Musk's Attorney Apologizes for His Absence at OpenAI Trial Closing Arguments

During the closing arguments of Elon Musk’s federal lawsuit against OpenAI in Oakland, California, Musk’s attorney Steven Molo apologized to jurors for the tech billionaire’s absence. Musk traveled to China to join President Donald Trump and other U.S. business executives on an official state visit, despite the presiding judge explicitly stating that he was not excused from testimony and could be recalled. The attorney urged jurors not to interpret the absence negatively, emphasizing Musk’s passion for the case. The three-week trial centers on Musk’s allegation that OpenAI betrayed its nonprofit origins by creating a for-profit arm with outside investors. OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman counter that a nonprofit foundation retains control and that Musk had previously agreed to the structural changes. This high-profile legal battle highlights tensions between Musk and former colleagues regarding the direction of artificial intelligence development. The incident underscores the conflict between Musk’s political engagements and his ongoing legal obligations, drawing significant media attention as the trial nears its conclusion.