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On February 29, Elon Musk vs Sam Altman feud timeline took a significant turn when Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO. 

Musk, a former co-founder of the AI firm, alleged that OpenAI breached its founding agreement by partnering with Microsoft and operating as a "closed-source de facto subsidiary" to maximize profits. Musk said this is contrary to Open AI’s nonprofit and open-source commitment.

The lawsuit, filed in a San Francisco court, awaits its first hearing. OpenAI published a detailed post on Wednesday, countering Musk's claims with email correspondence dating back to 2015. OpenAI plans to "dismiss all of Elon's claims."

OpenAI's post revealed Musk's desire for OpenAI to merge with Tesla or for him to take full control, conflicting with OpenAI's mission of preventing any individual from having absolute control.

The co-founders stated, "We couldn't agree to terms on a for-profit with Elon because we felt it was against the mission." This revelation contradicts Musk's earlier intentions of keeping OpenAI nonprofit, adding a new layer to the ongoing Elon Musk vs Sam Altman feud. 

Understanding Elon Musk vs Sam Altman Feud Through The Years

In 2015: OpenAI Launches with High Hopes

In December 2015, OpenAI was introduced as a non-profit venture with a mission to save the world from a dystopian AI future. Co-founder Sam Altman emphasized a strong partnership with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, highlighting trust and a shared vision for responsible AI development.

In 2016-2017: Early Signs of Strain

Tensions surfaced within OpenAI as Elon Musk urged the company to announce a $1 billion funding commitment, significantly surpassing Sam Altman's intended $100 million. The initial promise of collaboration and shared values began to show signs of strain.

In 2018: Musk's Departure after a Failed Proposed Merger with Tesla

Elon Musk, growing impatient with OpenAI's progress, left the company's board in 2018. He had faced opposition after suggesting merging OpenAI with Tesla to accelerate advancements in AI. Conflicts of interest were cited as the reason for Musk's departure.

In 2019: Public Disagreements 

Public differences between Musk and Altman became more apparent. Altman, on a tech podcast, referred to Musk as a "jerk" but acknowledged his concern for AI's future. Musk criticized OpenAI's achievements and poached a prominent AI researcher for Tesla.

In 2020-2021: Mixed Feelings and Continued Criticism

Both Musk and Altman intermittently praised each other's work, but tensions escalated with the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Musk criticized the chatbot as "woke" and planned to launched a rival AI in a bid to challenge OpenAI's progress.

In 2022: Escalating Hostility on Social Media

Musk's social media posts mocking OpenAI intensified hostilities. Labeling OpenAI as "ClosedAI" and ridiculing Sam Altman, Musk fueled the public feud. The ongoing dispute adds to the broader conversations surrounding AI ethics, governance, and the challenges of collaboration in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

In 2023: Musk Leads Petition Against OpenAI's AI Approach

Elon Musk took a significant step in 2023 by leading world tech leaders in signing a petition against OpenAI's AI exploration. The petition aimed to halt OpenAI's approach to AI development, raising concerns about its potential risks and impact on humanity.

In 2024: Lawsuit and Further Social Media Mockery

Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of deviating from its mission. Simultaneously, Musk continued his social media mockery, intensifying the public dispute and adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Sam Altman countered with evidence suggesting Musk's initial desire for control contradicted its mission, leading to his bitter exit from OpenAI.