A new online feud has erupted between tech giants Elon Musk and Sam Altman after the OpenAI CEO claimed he never received a Tesla he pre-booked back in 2018.
Altman shared screenshots on X showing email exchanges with Tesla, including a July 2018 confirmation that his $50,000 payment had been received in full. Another email from 2025 revealed that Altman requested a cancellation and refund after waiting more than seven years. The third screenshot indicated that Tesla&rsquo;s original email address for communication was no longer active.
Altman wrote, &ldquo;I really was excited for the car&hellip; but 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.&rdquo; His post quickly went viral, prompting varied reactions online.
In response, Elon Musk fired back, claiming that Altman left out key details: &ldquo;You forgot to mention act 4, where this issue was fixed, and you received a refund within 24 hours. But that is in your nature.&rdquo; Musk later took a jab at Altman&rsquo;s leadership of OpenAI, adding, &ldquo;You stole a non-profit,&rdquo; referencing the organisation&rsquo;s shift from non-profit to capped-profit status.
The spat reignited long-standing tensions between the two former OpenAI co-founders. Social media users reacted with humour and disbelief, urging both tech leaders to &ldquo;make peace for humanity.&rdquo; Others chimed in with jokes like, &ldquo;Elon, who would win in a fight, you or Sam?&rdquo;
As their public exchanges continue, the internet seems equally entertained and divided over the latest Musk-Altman showdown.

Elon Musk fires back after Sam Altman claims he never got his Tesla refund after 7.5 years

Elon Musk, Sam Altman Clash on X Over Tesla

Elon Musk fires back after Sam Altman claims he never got his Tesla refund after 7.5 years

November 2, 2025 | 18:22 IST