The final witnesses provided their testimony on Wednesday in the Musk v. Altman trial. The statements were rather uneventful, save for the revelation that Microsoft has poured over $100 billion into its collaboration with OpenAI. More captivating, though, is a point my colleague Maxwell Zeff and I have been reflecting on after nearly three weeks of following the trial.
The courtroom features a variety of seat cushions.
On the right side of US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ courtroom, a number of wooden benches are designated for the attorneys, executives, and team members from OpenAI and Microsoft. Roughly 10 individuals, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and general counsel Che Chang, have utilized plush black cushions, the most luxurious being from the Purple brand, retailing for $120 at Target. These cushions come in different shapes, with some having rounded edges while others are square. On Wednesday, Chang adjusted one behind his back, a rare adjustment during such proceedings.
OpenAI President Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna, have been present for much of the trial, consistently using pristine white pillows. The pillows, recognized by their tags, seem to be from Coop, a brand specializing in sleep products that offers a two-pack for $35.
On Wednesday, an OpenAI security guard brought a purple handbag into the courtroom, holding a pillow for each Brockman. Anna swiftly handed her husband a pillow before arranging her own. At the same time, OpenAI chief futurist Joshua Achiam took Brockman’s seat later on but initially did not have a pillow until he eventually acquired a standard black cushion.
OpenAI has not responded to requests for comment from WIRED.
A seasoned technology attorney informed WIRED that cushions aren’t “typical” but noted, “it’s not out of left field.” He personally hasn’t witnessed lawyers utilizing cushions or pillows in his cases, although he has never been part of a trial this extensive.
The main litigators enjoy fairly comfortable leather chairs, though they show signs of wear, hinting that the cushioning may not be as supportive as it seems.
During my last significant time in the courtroom in 2021 for parts of the Epic Games v. Apple trial, Covid-related capacity restrictions allowed for ample space. This time, however, the courtroom is almost at its capacity of 150, with bench seating for around 90 attendees.
About an hour into my initial trial day in late April, I thought of bringing my own cushion because of the rigid benches but hesitated for fear of appearing weak. None of the regular reporters, around two dozen including one who was pregnant, initially used cushions. I withstood six days of growing discomfort.
After an uncomfortable morning last week, I decided to try a “cooling” cushion from the Tokyo Olympics. It was too small and thin to provide any real relief. My back particularly ached as I typed notes on the Musk-themed jackass trophy, which allegedly once had its own pillow.
In the end, I gave up on the cushion. However, one reporter from the New York Times eventually gave in to using one, and the courtroom artist, equipped with a colorful cushion, continued to utilize theirs. Perhaps I’ll discover a more suitable solution by next week when Gonzalez Rogers considers potential penalties.
Maxwell Zeff contributed to this report.
This article is part of Maxwell Zeff’s Model Behavior newsletter. Find previous editions here.
