Shivon Zilis Testifies on Relationship with Elon Musk in OpenAI Trial

Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink and former OpenAI board member, testified on Wednesday in the ongoing lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against OpenAI. Zilis addressed questions regarding her personal relationship with Musk and her role within OpenAI.

Zilis confirmed that she and Musk became romantically involved around 2016 and have four children together. She stated that they decided to have children in late 2020 or early 2021 after Musk offered to donate his sperm. "He had been encouraging everyone around him to have kids," Zilis said, adding that Musk mentioned, "if I was ever interested, he'd be happy to make a donation."

Regarding her professional role, Zilis served on OpenAI's board from 2020 to 2023. She denied allegations that she acted as an informant for Musk during her tenure. When asked if her personal connection with Musk impacted her role as a board member, she responded, "It did not."

The trial centers on Musk's allegations that OpenAI's leadership, including CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman, breached the company's founding agreement by transitioning from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. Musk is seeking $134 billion in damages and the removal of Altman and Brockman from their positions.

Zilis's testimony provided insight into the complex interplay between personal relationships and corporate governance within the context of the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry.