From “Deeply Admired” to “Harassment”: The Devolution of a Relationship

The stark contrast between OpenAI’s past and present descriptions of Elon Musk tells the story of a relationship’s complete devolution. A company that once hailed him as someone they “deeply admired” now publicly accuses him of an “ongoing pattern of harassment” in response to his latest lawsuit, which also targets Apple.
This journey from admiration to accusation charts the bitter falling out between Musk and the company he helped create. In the early days, his vision and financial backing were instrumental. OpenAI’s past statements acknowledged this, even after he left, framing him as an inspirational but ultimately misguided figure.
However, as Musk’s criticism has grown more pointed and his actions more litigious, OpenAI’s tone has hardened. The friendship and respect that once existed have been eroded by years of public spats and legal threats. The company’s current language suggests they now view him not as a frustrated founder, but as a hostile external threat.
The lawsuit is the final nail in the coffin of their professional relationship. By accusing them of a “conspiracy to monopolize,” Musk has crossed a line from which there is no return. OpenAI’s response, using the charged word “harassment,” signals that any remaining goodwill has evaporated, replaced by the grim realities of high-stakes litigation.