Elon Musk criticized OpenAI as “fake” after the company disavowed private equity tokens using its branding. The controversy emerged when unauthorized tokens appeared on crypto platforms claiming affiliation with OpenAI, prompting the AI firm to publicly distance itself. Musk, as co-founder, seized on this incident to reinforce his skeptical stance toward the company’s direction.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Musk and OpenAI leadership regarding the organization’s original mission versus its current trajectory. Musk has consistently argued that OpenAI abandoned its open-source, non-profit principles when it transitioned to a capped-profit model. The token incident provided fresh ammunition for his critique of the company’s authenticity.
This public spat underscores broader challenges in regulating AI-related intellectual property in crypto markets. The incident demonstrates how easily bad actors can exploit reputable tech brands through tokenization, potentially damaging legitimate projects. Musk’s intervention amplifies concerns about accountability in the intersection of AI and blockchain technologies.
