tech
OpenAI exec recalls 'tense exchange' where Elon Musk called him a 'jackass'
OpenAI's chief futurist told the federal jury in the Musk v. Altman trial that Elon Musk "snapped and called me a jackass" at a 2018 company meeting.
TL;DR
- OpenAI executive Joshua Achiam testified about a "tense exchange" with Elon Musk in February 2018.
- Musk, then departing OpenAI, called Achiam a "jackass" during a company all-hands meeting.
- The dispute centered on concerns about AI safety and the speed of developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
- Achiam stated Musk believed racing towards AGI was "reckless" and he had a "lack of confidence in OpenAI's overall path."
- Musk had cited a conflict of interest with Tesla competing for AI talent as a reason for leaving.
- Following the meeting, Achiam received a trophy symbolizing the exchange, with an inscription about "safety."