Musk Threatens Altman and Brockman With 'Most Hated Men in America' Warning as OpenAI Trial Heats Up

May 05, 2026
CNBC
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Summary

Elon Musk sends a threatening text to OpenAI president Greg Brockman just days before trial, warning him and Sam Altman they would become 'the most hated men in America' after a settlement offer turns hostile, as the high-stakes legal battle over OpenAI's nonprofit mission intensifies in court.

Key Points

  • Elon Musk texted OpenAI president Greg Brockman two days before trial to gauge interest in a settlement, but turned threatening when Brockman suggested both sides drop their claims, warning him and Sam Altman they would be 'the most hated men in America.'
  • OpenAI's lawyers attempt to use the text message as evidence of Musk's true motive, arguing it proves he is pursuing the lawsuit to attack a competitor rather than for legitimate legal reasons, though Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers declines to admit it into evidence.
  • Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 and donated roughly $38 million to the company, is suing OpenAI, Altman, and Brockman, alleging they betrayed the company's nonprofit mission, while OpenAI dismisses his claims as baseless and Brockman takes the stand Monday.

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