Elon Musk Warned Sam Altman, Greg Brockman They Would Be ‘Most Hated Men in America’ During Failed OpenAI Settlement Talks
Elon Musk reportedly warned OpenAI’s Greg Brockman that he and Sam Altman would become "the most hated men in America" during failed settlement talks before their Oakland trial. Musk is seeking 150 billion USD, alleging the company’s for-profit shift betrayed its original mission. A verdict is expected by mid-May.
Elon Musk attempted to negotiate a settlement with OpenAI just two days before their federal trial began in Oakland, according to a court filing released on Sunday. The document reveals that during a conversation with OpenAI President Greg Brockman, Musk issued a stark warning when a proposal to drop all claims was suggested. The legal battle, which centres on OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity, has already seen Musk testify that he failed to read the "fine print" of crucial structural documents in 2017.
Elon Musk OpenAI Settlement Allegations
The new filing details an exchange between Musk and Brockman intended to gauge interest in ending the litigation. When Brockman proposed that both sides abandon their respective claims, Musk reportedly refused. The filing alleges that Musk replied: "By the end of this week, you and Sam will be the most hated men in America. If you insist, so it will be". Elon Musk Admits xAI Used OpenAI Models for Grok Training During Federal Testimony.
This exchange highlights the intensifying personal animosity between the founders as the trial progresses. Musk’s legal team is pushing for 150 billion USD in damages and significant changes to OpenAI's current leadership structure.
OpenAI Trial Evidence and Testimony
During his testimony on Thursday, Musk admitted he had only read the headline of a 2017 term sheet regarding OpenAI's structural shift. He claimed he did not review the detailed clauses that paved the way for the company's current for-profit model. Musk alleges that this shift betrayed the original mission to develop artificial intelligence for the public good rather than private profit.
The trial, presided over by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, is expected to conclude with a verdict as early as mid-May. OpenAI and its major investor, Microsoft, have consistently denied Musk’s allegations, maintaining that their structure is necessary for the immense capital requirements of AI development.
Leadership Testimony in Oakland Federal Court
The court is preparing for highly anticipated appearances from OpenAI’s Chief Executive, Sam Altman, and Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, later this month. Their testimony is expected to address Musk’s claims that his early charitable contributions were wrongfully utilised to build a profitable enterprise. Can Elon Musk Be Fired From SpaceX? Billionaire Has Sole Power To Remove Himself as CEO or Chairman, Reveals IPO Filing.
The lawsuit has become a landmark case in the technology sector, potentially defining the legal boundaries of non-profit origins in the multi-billion dollar AI industry. With Musk seeking a massive financial settlement and the removal of top executives, the outcome remains one of the most significant legal challenges in the history of Silicon Valley.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 05:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
