Elon Musk took the stand in the ongoing trial against OpenAI, where lawyers raised questions about the role of his partner and mother of his four children, Shivon Zilis. During court proceedings, OpenAI’s legal team argued that Zilis played a key behind-the-scenes role and acted as a “covert liaison” between Musk and OpenAI, even after he stepped down from the company’s board in 2018. The claim, according to a Wired report, is based on internal messages and emails presented as evidence in the case.Musk-OpenAI trial: Lawyers claim emails show Shivon Zillis’ alleged ‘spied’ on the company
Shivon Zilis role described as adviser and “chief of staff”
Shivon Zilis has been associated with several of Musk’s companies, including Tesla and Neuralink. She joined OpenAI as an advisor in 2016 and later became a board director from 2020 to 2023.When asked by OpenAI’s lawyers in court about her role, Musk gave different descriptions. At various points, he referred to her as a “chief of staff” and a “close advisor.” He also acknowledged their personal relationship, saying they live together and share four children, though Zilis had earlier said he maintains a separate residence.
Elon Musk-Shivon Zilis messages cited by lawyers
OpenAI’s lawyers pointed to text messages and emails to support their claim that Zilis acted as a link between Musk and the company. In one message from February 2018, Zilis asked Musk whether she should “stay close and friendly to OpenAI to keep info flowing” or distance herself.The tech billionaire responded that she should remain “close and friendly,” adding that he planned to bring some OpenAI employees to Tesla. When asked about this exchange in court, Musk said he “wanted to know what’s going on.”
Emails show updates shared with Elon Musk
OpenAI lawyers also presented emails in which Zilis reportedly updated Elon Musk on OpenAI’s internal work, including fundraising efforts and progress on AI projects. In one email, she said she had shifted most of her focus to Musk’s other companies but could spend more time on OpenAI if needed.Another email cited by the lawyers was from 2017 showed Zilis sharing details of discussions among OpenAI leaders about the company’s structure and control. The exchange reportedly suggested Musk was closely following internal developments during that period.