OpenAI has filed a legal motion accusing Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg of playing a covert role in Elon Musk’s failed $97.6 billion attempt to take over the AI research company earlier this year. The revelations, emerging from recent court documents, allege that Meta backed Musk’s bid through undisclosed “financing arrangements” and that Zuckerberg and Musk were in communication about potential investments.
Background: Musk’s $97 Billion Takeover Attempt
In February 2025, Elon Musk made an unsolicited takeover offer of $97.6 billion for OpenAI, which the company’s board unanimously rejected. However, court filings now claim that Musk subsequently reached out to Zuckerberg, exploring “potential financing arrangements or investments” to facilitate the bid.
Legal Action and Subpoenas
Lawyers representing OpenAI subpoenaed Meta in June 2025, seeking documents and communications between Zuckerberg and Musk related to the bid, funding arrangements, and any “actual or potential restructuring or recapitalization of OpenAI.” Meta objected to the request in July, but OpenAI is now asking the court to compel Meta to comply.
While Meta has not released an official statement, company spokesperson Andy Stone told TechCrunch that according to OpenAI’s filings, Meta or Zuckerberg never signed Musk’s letter of intent to purchase OpenAI.
Rising Tensions Between OpenAI and Meta
The legal conflict adds to growing friction between the two AI giants. Earlier this year, Meta aggressively hired top AI researchers from OpenAI, prompting a pointed response from OpenAI’s Chief Research Officer, Mark Chen, who likened the poaching to a violation: “I feel a visceral feeling right now, as if someone has broken into our home and stolen something.”
This latest allegation that Meta may have financially assisted Musk’s takeover bid has escalated the dispute. OpenAI had previously accused Musk of conducting a “campaign of harassment” following his takeover attempt.
Meta’s Response and AI Hiring Freeze
Sources such as The Wall Street Journal report that Meta has now ceased its aggressive AI talent acquisition efforts amid the legal battle and broader AI competition landscape.
What’s Next?
The court will soon have to decide if Meta must comply with OpenAI’s subpoena and release the requested documents. The outcome could have significant implications for transparency and governance in the rapidly evolving AI sector, especially as competition heats up among industry giants.