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**OpenAI Countersues Musk, Seeks Damages for “Campaign of Harassment” and $97B “Sham Bid”**
In a shocking turn of events, OpenAI has launched a countersuit against Elon Musk, accusing him of “bad-faith tactics” and engaging in a campaign of harassment. The move comes as the legal battle between the two parties escalates.
As previously reported, Musk attempted to block OpenAI’s transition to a capped-profit structure. However, a U.S. judge denied his request for an injunction, setting the stage for an expedited trial scheduled for fall 2025.
In response, OpenAI has filed a countersuit seeking damages for what it describes as a “campaign of harassment” orchestrated by Musk. The complaint also aims to block what it calls Musk’s “$97 billion sham bid,” which OpenAI claims is designed to disrupt its future operations.
According to the filing, Musk has engaged in a series of hostile actions aimed at harming OpenAI’s reputation and ability to operate effectively. These alleged tactics include using his significant social media following to spread false information about OpenAI and attempting to coerce its board into abandoning its mission.
Musk has responded by claiming that OpenAI’s board did not take his takeover bid seriously, citing emails from the company indicating a lack of interest in the proposed transaction.
The countersuit seeks an injunction to force Musk to cease his public attacks on OpenAI. Meanwhile, OpenAI has announced plans to raise a massive $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, valuing the company at $300 billion. In contrast, xAI, Musk’s rival AI startup, has merged with X and is now valued at $80 billion.
The legal battle highlights the intensity of the dispute between two parties that were once closely aligned.
Source: https://coincentral.com/openai-countersues-musk-seeks-damages-for-campaign-of-harassment-and-97b-sham-bid/
