OpenAI has a message for anyone who thinks they’re about to cash in on the AI boom by buying a new “OpenAI token” on Robinhood: Don’t. But in a chaotic turn, Elon Musk just suggested that even the company’s real equity might be an illusion.
The maker of ChatGPT, in a rare public warning posted on X (formerly Twitter), disavowed any involvement with crypto-like financial products claiming to offer a piece of its business.
“These ‘OpenAI tokens’ are not OpenAI equity,” the company wrote. “We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it. Any transfer of OpenAI equity requires our approval—we did not approve any transfer.”
The company added a clear warning: “Please be careful.”
These “OpenAI tokens” are not OpenAI equity. We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it. Any transfer of OpenAI equity requires our approval—we did not approve any transfer. Please be careful. — OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) July 2, 2025
This strange situation immediately attracted the attention of Elon Musk, OpenAI’s co-founder turned chief antagonist. He responded to the company’s post with a blunt, explosive accusation of his own:
“Your ‘equity’ is fake.”
Your “equity” is fake — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025
The Tokenization of Hype
The controversy began after Robinhood, the popular trading platform, unveiled a new product for its European customers. In a statement to Gizmodo, the company explained its move.
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