Elon Musk Texted OpenAI's Greg Brockman on Settlement Before Trial

Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, sent texts to co-founder Greg Brockman two days before the start of a trial over Musk's lawsuit against the company, its president Greg Brockman, and CEO Sam Altman. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, centers on allegations that OpenAI deviated from its original nonprofit mission for public benefit.

OpenAI's filing describes the texts as an attempt by Musk to pressure leaders into settling, including a warning that Brockman and Altman could become among the 'most hated men in America' if they did not agree. The messages followed Musk's request for a settlement, with OpenAI characterizing them as ominous and coercive.

This occurred on the eve of the high-profile court battle in a federal courthouse in Oakland, California.

During the trial, Musk underwent combative cross-examination on the third day, accusing OpenAI's lawyer of trying to 'trick' him. Testimony shifted to Brockman, where Musk's lawyer highlighted OpenAI's initial fundraising as a nonprofit, seeking donations from figures in Silicon Valley.

Sources indicate the interrogation aims to show that OpenAI misled donors and the public by switching structures after the success of ChatGPT. OpenAI argues in filings that Musk's actions stem from competition with his own AI venture, xAI, rather than genuine grievances.

The company points to Musk's texts as evidence supporting this claim. Multiple sources describe the case as examining whether this shift constituted a 'bait and switch' affecting donors, employees, and the state of California. The trial has been called a significant courtroom drama in Silicon Valley, pitting Musk against Altman in a battle over AI development and corporate governance.

Ars Technica reported that a past Musk threat related to 'World War III' from another lawsuit has resurfaced in this context.

While sources agree on the existence of the texts and ongoing trial, perspectives differ on motivations. OpenAI maintains Musk seeks to hinder a rival, while the lawsuit frames it as protecting the original mission. No direct contradictions appear across reports on the facts of the communications or trial events.

BBC News noted Musk's accusation against the OpenAI lawyer during testimony, adding to the combative atmosphere. The case continues with potential implications for AI industry practices.