‘I Won’t Even Start on Grok’: Altman Hits Back at Elon Musk as AI Feud Escalates
The long-simmering rivalry between Sam Altman and Elon Musk has once again spilled into the public arena, underscoring how personal, political, and philosophical divisions are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. What began years ago as a disagreement over the direction of OpenAI has now evolved into a recurring war of words, with both men using social media to challenge each other’s credibility and motives.
The latest flashpoint came after Musk posted a warning on X, formerly Twitter, telling users not to let their loved ones use ChatGPT. His comment was a reply to a post that claimed the chatbot had been linked to multiple deaths since its launch in 2022. The allegation, which has not been backed by verified evidence, nonetheless gained traction online and reignited debates around AI safety, accountability, and public trust.
Altman, never one to stay silent for long, responded with a pointed remark of his own. “I won’t even start on Grok,” he said, referring to Musk’s AI chatbot developed by xAI, signalling both frustration and confidence that his rival’s product is far from flawless.
From Partners to Public Rivals
Altman and Musk were once collaborators. Musk was one of the early backers of OpenAI, supporting its original non-profit mission to develop artificial intelligence safely and for the benefit of humanity. That relationship fractured when Musk left the organisation, later accusing OpenAI of abandoning its founding principles after transitioning to a for-profit model and partnering closely with Microsoft.
Since then, the two figures have represented competing visions of AI governance. Altman has positioned OpenAI as a company trying to balance rapid innovation with safety guardrails, while Musk has emerged as one of the loudest critics of unchecked AI development, even as he builds competing systems.
Their disagreements are not just personal. They reflect broader tensions within the AI industry over speed versus caution, openness versus control, and who should ultimately be trusted to shape powerful technologies.
The Controversial Claim That Sparked the Latest Clash
Musk’s recent remark was triggered by a viral post claiming that ChatGPT had been linked to at least nine deaths. These claims typically revolve around allegations that AI tools provided harmful advice or influenced vulnerable users in dangerous ways. While such concerns are taken seriously by AI developers and regulators, no authoritative investigation has established a direct causal link between ChatGPT and the deaths cited online.
By amplifying the claim, Musk tapped into a growing anxiety among the public. As AI tools become more widely used, fears about misuse, overreliance, and mental health impacts are increasing. Critics argue that even unproven allegations can undermine trust if they are repeated by influential figures.
Altman’s response, though brief, suggested he viewed Musk’s warning as hypocritical, given similar concerns have been raised about Grok and other AI systems.
What Altman’s Grok Remark Really Signals
When Altman said he would not even start on Grok, it was more than a sarcastic jab. It highlighted a central irony in the feud: both men are building powerful AI tools that face similar risks and criticisms.
Grok, which is integrated into Musk’s social media platform X, has already drawn scrutiny for its responses, content moderation choices, and potential to amplify misinformation. By pointing to Grok, Altman implicitly argued that no AI system is immune to controversy, and singling out ChatGPT ignores the industry-wide nature of these challenges.
The remark also reinforced Altman’s broader message that AI safety should be addressed through responsible development and oversight, not selective outrage.
AI Safety as a Battleground, Not Common Ground
Despite both men frequently talking about AI safety, their approaches differ sharply. Musk has repeatedly warned that artificial intelligence could pose existential risks and has called for pauses in development. At the same time, he continues to invest heavily in AI through xAI and related ventures.
Altman, on the other hand, has advocated for regulation and global cooperation, arguing that slowing down unilaterally could be counterproductive if other actors push ahead without safeguards. This difference in philosophy fuels much of their conflict.
Public exchanges like this one turn nuanced policy debates into personality-driven clashes, which may not help users understand the real risks and benefits of AI technologies.
The Role of Social Media in Escalating the Feud
Platforms like X have become arenas where tech leaders shape narratives in real time. Musk’s ownership of X gives him a megaphone, allowing his comments to spread quickly and influence public opinion. Altman, while not owning a platform, has also embraced direct communication through social media.
This dynamic creates an environment where complex issues are reduced to sharp sound bites. Claims gain traction before they are verified, and rebuttals often arrive in the form of sarcasm rather than detailed explanation.
For users, separating fact from rhetoric becomes increasingly difficult.
Broader Implications for the AI Industry
The Altman-Musk feud is not just about two powerful personalities. It reflects a deeper struggle over who gets to define the narrative around AI safety and responsibility. When leading figures publicly attack each other’s products, it risks eroding trust in the entire sector.
At the same time, these disputes draw attention to legitimate concerns that regulators and companies cannot ignore. Questions around accountability, transparency, and user protection are becoming more urgent as AI tools are integrated into everyday life.
How these leaders handle criticism and debate will influence how governments and the public perceive the industry.
Users Caught in the Middle
For everyday users, the feud offers little clarity. Most people use tools like ChatGPT for work, learning, or creativity, not as moral or philosophical statements. Warnings that lack evidence can create unnecessary fear, while dismissive replies may appear evasive.
What users need is clear communication about limitations, risks, and responsible use, rather than public sparring between billionaires.
A Rivalry Unlikely to Cool Down
Given the history between Altman and Musk, this exchange is unlikely to be the last. As competition intensifies and AI systems grow more capable, disagreements over ethics, control, and influence will only become sharper.
Whether this rivalry ultimately benefits or harms the broader AI ecosystem will depend on whether it leads to better standards and oversight—or simply louder arguments.
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