For much of the early questioning on Wednesday, Musk generally stuck to answering “yes” or “no” or “I don’t recall”.
But as the proceedings dragged on, Musk admitted he was trying to avoid giving “yes” or “no” answers, accusing Arnzen of “trying to mislead the jury” with his questions.
Judge Charles Breyer, overseeing the trial, briefly paused the proceedings, looked at Musk directly, and then called for questioning to continue.
Musk’s more stoic responses echoed those of one of his highest level employees, Jared Birchall, who testified before the jury on Tuesday. Birchall heads Musk’s family office, and personal financial investments and business dealings.
Birchall gave the answer “I don’t recall” to Arnzen dozens of times in response to questions about meetings he was in regarding Twitter, conversations with Musk about the acquisition, and emails Birchall wrote and sent regarding the deal.
Birchall also said he did not recall that it was Jack Dorsey who was chief executive of Twitter prior to Musk’s attempt to take over the platform.
Dorsey and Musk are known to be friends and Dorsey had only recently left as head of the platform a few months prior to Musk’s takeover bid, having led the company for seven years.
