BREAKING: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has just demanded a refund of $50,000 for a Tesla Roadster he ordered in July 2018. His request comes after years of delays in the vehicle’s production, drawing significant attention on social media.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, Altman shared a screenshot of his original order confirmation, which included a $45,000 deposit. He expressed his frustration over the prolonged wait, stating, “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Altman, who has been vocal about his disappointment, sent a follow-up email today requesting the refund. However, his email reportedly bounced back, leaving him without a response from Tesla. This development adds a new layer to Altman’s ongoing tensions with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, amid their complex history together.
The second-generation Tesla Roadster was unveiled in 2017, touted by Musk as “the fastest production car ever made.” Production was originally set to start in 2020, but has faced numerous delays. During an earnings call in October 2024, Musk stated that Tesla was still finalizing the design while prioritizing its mission for sustainability. “We are working on it, but it has to come behind things that have a more serious impact on the world,” Musk said.
As of now, neither Musk nor Tesla representatives have commented on Altman’s refund request. The situation is further complicated by their ongoing legal disputes regarding OpenAI, which Musk co-founded in 2015.
In recent months, Musk has criticized Altman’s leadership at OpenAI and has initiated multiple lawsuits against him and the organization. This includes a lawsuit filed in February 2024, accusing OpenAI of straying from its nonprofit mission after a partnership with Microsoft. Although Musk withdrew the lawsuit in June, he refiled it in August, demonstrating the ongoing conflict.
As the situation unfolds, Altman’s tale of an unfulfilled Tesla order serves as a notable highlight in the broader narrative of tech industry rivalries. With OpenAI restructuring to establish a public benefit corporation, the tensions between these two influential figures only seem to be escalating.
As of now, the public awaits Tesla’s response and the potential implications for both Altman and Musk’s futures in the tech world. This developing story is sure to capture the attention of both fans and critics alike.
