OpenAI exec recalls 'tense exchange' where Elon Musk called him a 'jackass'

During a recent federal trial, Joshua Achiam, OpenAI's chief futurist, shared a vivid account of a confrontational moment with Elon Musk, who infamously labeled him a "jackass". This encounter, described as a "tense exchange", occurred in February 2018 during an all-hands meeting at OpenAI, just before Musk's departure from the organization he co-founded. Achiam recalled that the meeting drew around 50 to 60 employees, where Musk expressed his concerns about potential conflicts of interest as Tesla, his electric vehicle company, was set to compete with OpenAI for top AI talent. Musk's comments also reflected a diminishing faith in OpenAI's direction, as he indicated a desire to pursue artificial general intelligence (AGI) independently. Concerned about Musk's aggressive approach toward AGI, Achiam voiced apprehensions regarding the risks associated with racing toward such advanced technology. He noted that Musk's ambition, driven by fears of others misusing AGI, seemed reckless. Achiam emphasized that the possibility of a superintelligence emerging overnight, capable of overwhelming global security systems, was not merely a fictional scenario. When questioned about Musk's intention behind the derogatory remark, Achiam dismissed the idea that Musk was trying to challenge him. Instead, he believed Musk's frustration stemmed from being confronted on his views. Following the meeting, Achiam received support from colleagues who appreciated his stance, culminating in a humorous tribute at the next all-hands meeting, where he was awarded a trophy featuring a statue of a "jackass". The trophy was inscribed with a message encouraging him to "never stop being a jackass for safety."