Sam Altman’s personal fortune has surged to an estimated $6.5 billion, according to newly unsealed court documents in the ongoing lawsuit brought by Elon Musk against OpenAI. The filings, presented during the trial, revealed substantial stakes in companies that have done business with the ChatGPT maker, including a $1.7 billion holding in fusion energy startup Helion Energy. Other disclosed interests include $633 million in Stripe, $258 million in anti-aging firm Retro Biosciences, and smaller positions in Cerebras, Lattice, Humane, Software Applications, and Formation Bio.
The revelations came as Musk’s legal team, led by attorney Steven Molo, sought to demonstrate conflicts of interest that they argue undermine OpenAI’s original nonprofit mission. Musk is seeking $150 billion in damages and the removal of Altman as both an officer and board member, alleging breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment. Altman has denied the accusations, stating he recused himself from relevant negotiations.
The trial took another dramatic turn when Musk failed to appear for closing arguments, instead accompanying former President Trump on an official visit to China. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had placed Musk on recall status, meaning he was expected to be available to testify if needed. Molo apologized to the jury on Musk’s behalf, but the absence added uncertainty to the case.
OpenAI’s defense centered on the statute of limitations, arguing that Musk waited too long to file claims related to events before August 2021. Attorney Sarah Eddy challenged Musk’s credibility, asserting that he contradicts all other witnesses and that he had known OpenAI could become for-profit while still pursuing its mission. The jury is now deliberating whether the lawsuit can proceed based on timing and the validity of the conflict-of-interest allegations.
Meanwhile, U.S. regulators are circling. Ten state attorneys general asked the SEC to review OpenAI documents ahead of a possible IPO, and the House Committee on Oversight demanded details on how OpenAI manages conflict risks.
