Elon Musk’s Legal Claims Spark Controversy Over Computer Use

In a recent court filing, attorneys representing Elon Musk asserted that he “does not use a computer,” amidst ongoing legal proceedings involving Musk, his artificial intelligence startup xAI, and OpenAI, led by Sam Altman. This statement has raised eyebrows, especially given Musk’s frequent social media interactions showcasing his laptop usage.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in February 2024, accuses OpenAI of breaching an agreement initially established to advance artificial intelligence “for the benefit of humanity.” Musk alleges that OpenAI has deviated from these principles in favor of prioritizing profit, specifically in relation to its partnership with Microsoft.

OpenAI’s Allegations

In response, OpenAI filed recent documents claiming that Musk and his company have not adequately engaged with the discovery process. The tech firm contends that Musk’s legal team has indicated no intention to gather pertinent documents from him. Musk’s attorneys countered these claims in their weekend filing, asserting that they informed OpenAI on June 14 about their efforts to review emails and conduct searches of Musk’s mobile device, while maintaining that he does not operate a computer.

Mixed Evidence About Musk’s Computer Usage

Despite Musk’s legal claims, numerous employees from the social media platform X revealed to WIRED that while Musk primarily communicates and works through his mobile device, he has been spotted using a laptop on several occasions. This includes a noteworthy post from December 2024, where Musk shared an image of his laptop on X, stating, "This is a pic of my laptop." This post was made in the context of testing Starlink’s streaming capabilities while in transit, suggesting utilitarian use of the device.

Recent References to His Laptop

Further complicating the narrative, Musk discussed his laptop again in May 2025 on X, stating, “Still using my ancient PC laptop with the @DOGE sticker made long ago by a fan.” This comment was made in response to a user inquiring about his gaming setup, particularly during a live stream of the popular Diablo video game series. The image Musk shared featured a black laptop adorned with AERO branding—a model well-regarded among gamers—along with a sticker referencing the popular memecoin, Doge.

Conclusion

The legal tension between Musk and OpenAI has raised important questions about transparency in the tech industry, especially concerning claims of device usage. As the case develops, it remains to be seen how Musk’s assertions about his computer use will influence proceedings and public perceptions. Musk and the legal team for xAI have yet to provide commentary beyond their court filings.

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk’s lawyers claim he does not use a computer, conflicting with evidence of his laptop usage.
• The lawsuit centers on allegations of breach of contract between Musk’s xAI and OpenAI.
• Ongoing legal disputes raise significant questions regarding compliance and transparency in tech business practices.

This case highlights the complex relationship between technology, legality, and public image in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.