Musk Admits xAI "Partly" Used OpenAI Tech Under Oath

Elon Musk made a striking admission under oath Thursday in his ongoing legal battle with Sam Altman. When pressed on whether xAI had ever distilled technology from OpenAI, Musk acknowledged the claim was "partly" true.

His defense? Everyone does it. Musk argued that AI labs routinely use competitors' models as part of standard industry practice. It's a bold stance — essentially conceding the behavior while normalizing it across the sector.

The testimony landed during the high-profile Musk v. Altman case, which has become one of the most closely watched legal clashes in AI. The dispute has put uncomfortable questions about intellectual property, model training practices, and competitive ethics squarely in the spotlight.

Musk's partial admission could reshape how the industry talks about knowledge transfer between rival AI companies — and what courts consider acceptable.