Shivon Zilis testified this week at a federal courthouse in Oakland as part of Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman [1], [2].

The testimony is a critical component of a legal battle over the governance and mission of the AI startup. Because Zilis served on the OpenAI board and shares a personal relationship with Musk, her insights provide a rare glimpse into the early interactions between the parties.

Zilis appeared on the witness stand during the second week of the trial [3]. Her testimony took place on the seventh day of proceedings [4], with reports placing her appearance between May 6 and May 7, 2026 [2], [5].

During the proceedings, Zilis addressed the nature of the professional and personal connections between the key figures. According to CNBC, she said that Elon Musk offered Sam Altman a seat on the board of Tesla [1]. This detail suggests an attempt at strategic alignment between the electric vehicle company and the AI firm during the period in question.

Other aspects of the questioning focused on potential conflicts of interest. The New York Post said Zilis was questioned about whether she funneled information to Musk while she was serving as a member of the OpenAI board [2]. Such allegations center on whether internal OpenAI data was leaked to Musk, potentially influencing his subsequent legal and professional actions against the company.

Zilis is the mother of four of Musk's children [1]. This personal tie, combined with her former role in the organization's leadership, makes her a pivotal witness in a case that examines the transition of OpenAI from a non-profit entity to a commercial powerhouse.

The trial continues in Oakland, where a jury is weighing allegations of wrongdoing regarding the startup's management and its deviation from its founding principles [3], [4].

“Shivon Zilis testified that Elon Musk offered Sam Altman a seat on Tesla’s board.”

The testimony of Shivon Zilis highlights the deeply intertwined personal and professional networks at the center of the AI industry's most prominent legal dispute. By introducing evidence regarding Tesla board offers and potential information leaks, the trial is moving beyond simple contractual disputes into a broader examination of loyalty, corporate espionage, and the blurred lines between the private lives and business interests of tech billionaires.