Jurors in the Musk v. Altman case said they don't sympathize with Elon Musk — and were selected anyway

A jury was selected on Monday at the start of the Musk v. Altman trial in federal court in Oakland. During selection, several prospective jurors expressed negative opinions about Elon Musk and about AI technology in general, though most said they could set those impressions aside in their verdict; only one person was excused for evident bias.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers noted in the courtroom: «The reality is that a lot of people don't like him», referring to Musk, but said that does not automatically disqualify potential jurors from deciding with integrity. The jury's role will be to assess whether Sam Altman and others steered OpenAI away from its original nonprofit mission, a matter that, in this proceeding, will be advisory — the judge will have the final decision.

Meanwhile, the confrontation is also playing out outside the courtroom: Musk amplified on X an investigation by The New Yorker about Altman, OpenAI called the lawsuit an attempt to undermine its work, and protesters demonstrated calling for a pause in AI development. OpenAI said it was ready to present 'the truth' based on documents and facts; opening statements and the first witness are scheduled for Tuesday.

How will public perception of such high-profile figures influence a trial this high-profile?

Source: WIRED