breaking

Musk's Absence During Trial Closing Arguments Draws Apology From Legal Team

Elon Musk's lead attorney apologized to jurors Thursday after the Tesla and SpaceX chief remained in China accompanying President Donald Trump during closing arguments in a federal lawsuit against OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.

Steven Molo told the jury Musk remained "passionate" about the case despite his absence. Musk, who testified during the trial's opening week, had been placed on recall status by the judge, requiring him to remain available for testimony on short notice.

The lawsuit alleges Altman and Brockman violated commitments to maintain OpenAI as a nonprofit organization and improperly enriched themselves through a corporate restructuring. Court officials said they were uncertain whether Musk obtained judicial permission to travel abroad during the active proceedings. Musk's legal team declined to confirm whether they cleared his trip with the presiding judge.