27. August 2025
Admin
Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman: Legal Clash Over Zuckerberg Chats
A fierce legal dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has intensified. The focus: whether OpenAI can obtain private communications between Musk and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg regarding Musk's $97.4 billion acquisition bid.
Quick Insight: Musk’s legal team aims to block OpenAI from securing chat records with Zuckerberg—calling Altman’s discovery requests overly broad. OpenAI argues they’re narrow and necessary.
Key Developments
- Elon Musk made an unsolicited **$97.4B takeover bid** for OpenAI in February; he allegedly reached out to Zuckerberg for financing support—Zuckerberg declined.
- OpenAI subpoenaed Meta for any communications related to the bid. Meta refused, urging OpenAI to get those directly from Musk or his firm, xAI.
- Musk's lawyers argued OpenAI already possesses relevant documents and labeled the requests as “expansive discovery.”
- OpenAI’s team countered, emphasizing the documentation request is specific and targeted—and if communications were oral, they need depositions of Musk, xAI representatives, and other bidders.
- Earlier this month, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Musk must face claims that his “sham bid” and public behavior aimed to damage OpenAI. A jury trial is scheduled for spring **2026**.
What’s at Stake
The outcome of this discovery fight could impact the evidence and testimonies allowed, potentially shaping the entire trial’s direction when it goes to jury next year.
Reminder: This is a fast-evolving legal battle—bench dates and motions may change. Always check official filings for updates.
