Judge Limits Questions in Elon Musk’s Trial Against OpenAI
In a notable ruling, a U.S. judge has decided that Tesla CEO Elon Musk will not have to answer questions about his use of the drug ketamine during his upcoming trial against OpenAI. This ruling was made by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who emphasized that the topic is not relevant to the case at hand. The trial focuses on the ongoing legal battle regarding OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit structure.
During a recent hearing in Oakland, California, Judge Rogers laid out the topics that would be allowed in the jury trial, which is set to begin on April 28. The case will revisit the early days of OpenAI, Musk’s falling out with the organization, and a massive $13 billion investment from Microsoft.
Musk is claiming that OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman misled him about the organization’s nonprofit status when he contributed approximately $38 million in its early days. He is seeking damages that could amount to $134 billion, a claim that both OpenAI and Microsoft deny.
Judge Draws the Line on Ketamine Questions
The judge specifically rejected the idea of questioning Musk about his alleged ketamine use during negotiations with OpenAI. She made it clear that unless stronger evidence is presented regarding the effects of ketamine, the topic would not be relevant. However, she mentioned that Musk’s trips to Burning Man, where drug use occurs, could be touched upon, as there were significant interactions between him and OpenAI during these trips.
OpenAI’s lawyer, William Frentzen, pointed out that Musk struggled to recall whether he had used ketamine during certain negotiation periods. Musk has stated that he used the drug with a prescription in the past but has not used it recently. There are also claims in the media about his recreational drug use.
Key Details on the Trial
In addition to the ketamine issue, Judge Rogers made several important rulings at the hearing. She noted that the jury’s determination for damages will be advisory, meaning she will ultimately decide the final amount. The judge may also prevent Musk from pursuing additional punitive damages. Testimony from Musk’s expert witness, financial economist C. Paul Wazzan, is likely to be allowed. Wazzan earlier suggested that Musk could be entitled to profits between $79 billion and $134 billion based on his early funding of OpenAI.
However, Judge Rogers expressed skepticism toward Wazzan’s conclusions, stating, “Do I find it convincing? Not really, not particularly persuasive.” Lawyers for OpenAI and Microsoft have contested Musk’s claims, arguing that he is seeking an unrealistic amount compared to what he initially invested.
The trial, anticipated to last about four weeks, may feature testimonies from several notable figures in the tech industry, including Musk, Altman, Brockman, and others. The judge has also emphasized that all witnesses, regardless of their fame, will be treated equally in court and must enter through the public entrance. Additionally, both parties will share the responsibility of providing lunch for the jury during their deliberations, a typically court-covered expense. The judge commented, “You have plenty of money to pay for it.”
