Sam Altman Testifies Musk Spent Critical OpenAI Meetings Showing Memes Instead of Discussing Tesla Merger

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took the stand yesterday in Musk v. Altman, the high-profile lawsuit filed by Elon Musk—the world’s richest man—against Altman, which has gripped Silicon Valley for weeks. Altman’s testimony, delivered under threat of perjury, provided key insights into the contentious relationship between the two tech leaders.

The most striking allegation? Altman claimed that during a pivotal meeting to discuss Tesla’s potential absorption of OpenAI—a deal central to the lawsuit—Musk repeatedly derailed the discussion by showing memes on his phone to attendees.

According to New York Times tech reporter Mike Isaac, Altman told the court:

"There was a LONG long period of time with Elon showing us memes on his phone."

The court reporter then asked Altman to repeat the statement loudly for the record:

"MEMES ON HIS PHONE."

Altman’s credibility has faced scrutiny in the past, with critics questioning his consistency. However, this allegation aligns with Musk’s well-documented internet-centric behavior. Musk, a 50-something father of more than a dozen children, has been known to engage in online banter, even replying to viral posts like those from Hailey "Hawk Tuah girl" Welch on X (formerly Twitter). His obsession with the platform was so intense that he purchased it for $44 billion, despite later attempts to back out of the deal.

Musk has also publicly praised memes as a form of communication. In 2023, he shared a "Star Wars" meme alongside the claim that "memes are the most information-dense form of communication."

The lawsuit centers on Musk’s accusation that Altman transformed OpenAI from a nonprofit into a for-profit entity. Altman’s testimony suggests that Musk’s priorities during critical discussions may have been misplaced.

In 2022, Musk shared an image of his personal nightstand on X, which included a replica gun from a video game, a flintlock gun in a case featuring George Washington crossing the Delaware, an amulet, and multiple cans of caffeine-free Diet Coke. The image underscored his unconventional approach to both work and personal life.

This isn’t the first time Musk’s behavior has raised eyebrows. His tendency to prioritize memes and online distractions over substantive discussions has become a recurring theme in his professional dealings.

Key Takeaways from the Trial So Far

• The lawsuit Musk v. Altman has exposed the chaotic dynamics between two of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures.
• Altman’s testimony suggests Musk’s focus on memes derailed critical discussions about Tesla’s potential acquisition of OpenAI.
• Musk’s public persona, including his online activity and personal habits, continues to fuel scrutiny.

For more details on the trial, read: Under Threat of Perjury, OpenAI’s Former CTO Is Admitting Some Very Interesting Stuff About Sam Altman.