Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and X owner Elon Musk clashed online over a possible deal involving Grok AI. On Wednesday, May 28, Durov shared a surprising announcement on X. He claimed Telegram users would soon access Grok AI. He wrote, “Together, we win,” and added, “This summer, Telegram users will gain access to the best AI technology on the market.”
Additionally, he said both sides had “agreed to a 1-year partnership to bring xAI’s Grok to our billion+ users and integrate it across all Telegram apps.”
🔥 This summer, Telegram users will gain access to the best AI technology on the market. @elonmusk and I have agreed to a 1-year partnership to bring xAI’s @grok to our billion+ users and integrate it across all Telegram apps 🤝
— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 28, 2025
💪 This also strengthens Telegram’s financial… pic.twitter.com/ZPK550AyRV
Musk Quickly Responded
A few hours later, Musk replied directly to Durov’s post. He wrote, “no deal has been signed.”
Consequently, his response contradicted Durov’s claims and created confusion online.
Durov Clarifies His Statement
Soon after Musk's reply, Durov tried to explain. He confirmed the deal wasn’t official yet. He wrote, “agreed in principle, but formalities are still pending.”
True. Agreed in principle, but formalities are pending.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 28, 2025
Users Mock the Announcement
Many users criticized Durov for announcing the partnership too soon. For instance, one said, “You should not say things until the ink is dry.” Another added, “Bro, don’t blow the deal by breaking the news first.”
Furthermore, one user mocked the phrase “agreed in principle.” They commented, “I agree in principle with Amazon that deliveries should be fast and on time. It doesn’t mean I’m partners with them. How funny that Elon called you out.”
The Deal Is Worth $300 Million
Despite the confusion, the deal could be very valuable. Durov claimed Telegram would earn $300 million in cash and equity from xAI. Moreover, Telegram would get 50% of the revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform.
In return, xAI would gain access to Telegram’s large user base, which Durov says includes over one billion people.