Elon Musk Sent Ominous Texts to Greg Brockman, Sam Altman After Settlement Request

The Exchange

Two days before the Elon Musk vs. OpenAI trial began, Musk texted OpenAI president and co-founder Greg Brockman, suggesting that OpenAI settle the suit.

Key developments:

• After Brockman replied suggesting both sides drop their suits, Musk responded: "By the end of this week, you and Sam will be the most hated men in America. If you insist, so it will be."
• OpenAI's lawyers submitted the exchange in a Sunday filing, though the actual texts were not included
• The judge ruled the exchange inadmissible as evidence

Legal Context

Musk's lawsuit seeks to:

• Unwind OpenAI's for-profit structure
• Require its tech be made available to the public
• Strip Microsoft's licensing agreement
• Compel OpenAI to pay general, compensatory, and punitive damages plus lawyer's fees

Implications

Observers noted that the "settle-or-else" text suggests the trial may not be about Musk's concern for AI safety, but rather about:

• Demanding money from OpenAI's success
• Kneecapping a rival company

This aligns with what OpenAI's countersuit alleges. The trial continues with both sides presenting their cases.