Tensions between Elon Musk and OpenAI have heated up again, this time playing out through public digs on social media. As the legal clash continues, Musk has taken a more pointed approach. He recently threw shade at Sam Altman with a new nickname while also making serious claims about the company’s direction and leadership.
Elon Musk gives a new nickname to OpenAI’s Sam Altman
Elon Musk stirred controversy after calling Sam Altman “Scam Altman” in a post on X. He also referred to OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman as “Greg Stockman.” Musk did not hold back, writing, “Scam Altman and Greg Stockman stole a charity. Full stop.” The remark came as part of his ongoing criticism of how OpenAI evolved from a nonprofit into a profit-driven entity.
The dispute is now playing out in court. Musk’s civil lawsuit against OpenAI began on April 27, 2026, in a federal court in Oakland, California, and is expected to last several weeks. He argues that the company abandoned its original mission and instead prioritized financial gains. Musk claimed Brockman received “tens of billions of stock” and alleged Altman secured multiple side deals tied to OpenAI’s growth.
OpenAI has pushed back strongly. In its response, the company said, “We can’t wait to make our case in court where both the truth and the law are on our side.” It also described Musk’s lawsuit as “a baseless and jealous bid to derail a competitor,” suggesting the conflict is driven more by rivalry than facts.
Musk also raised broader concerns about the implications of the case. He warned that allowing a nonprofit to shift into a profit-focused model could set a risky legal precedent. “Do you want to set legal precedent… that it is ok to loot a charity?” he wrote, arguing it could damage trust in charitable organizations.
For those not in the know, the abovementioned civil case will examine OpenAI’s structure, funding, and partnerships, including its connection with Microsoft.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
