Elon Musk is a 'bully' but 'legendary entrepreneur': Sam Altman
What's the story
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called Elon Musk a "bully" in a new interview with The Free Press. He characterized their relationship as "complicated," after Musk left the company they co-founded in 2018. Altman also implied that the high-profile feud between Musk and his former company has turned into a "sideshow."
Ongoing conflict
Musk's legal battle and criticism of OpenAI
Musk is a vocal critic of OpenAI and Altman, even refiling a lawsuit in August claiming he was "deceived" into founding the company with Altman and Greg Brockman. He also tried to stop OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model, which the company responded to by releasing emails which suggested that Musk himself advocated for such a structure during his tenure there.
Entrepreneurial impact
Acknowledging Musk's contributions despite conflicts
Despite the ongoing conflict, Altman has acknowledged Musk's contributions to OpenAI's early development, and called him a "legendary entrepreneur." He also emphasized Musk's penchant for bullying and public feuds at a recent New York Times event. This includes his spats with other high-profile personalities like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.
Power struggle
Altman suggests Musk's hostility stems from competition
Altman suggested Musk's animosity could stem from OpenAI's success and his own leadership of a competing AI company, xAI. He thinks Musk's behavior is driven by a desire for control, saying, "Everything we're doing, I believe Elon would be happy about if he were in control of OpenAI." He also claimed Musk departed because he believed OpenAI was meant to fail and because he wouldn't have "total control over the company."
Political influence
Altman confident Musk won't misuse political power
Responding to concerns over Musk's potential influence in the second Donald Trump administration in the US, Altman assured that Musk wouldn't abuse his political power against enemies. "I think there are people who will really be a jerk on Twitter who will still not abuse the system of the country," he said.