A court filing says Musk contacted OpenAI president Greg Brockman on about 25 April, two days before trial, and warned Brockman and chief executive Sam Altman would be "the most hated men in America."
OpenAI wants Brockman, due to testify on Monday, to be questioned about the exchange in court. The filing says Brockman replied that both sides could drop their legal claims.
Musk alleges OpenAI, Brockman and Altman breached a charitable trust and unjustly enriched themselves. The message is the first known settlement contact, though terms and scope remain unclear.
Can Elon Musk prove OpenAI is a stolen charity and dismantle its $850 billion empire?
Will this verdict decide if powerful AI serves profit or the public good, setting a precedent for all?
Is Musk fighting for humanity's future or seeking revenge against the AI giant he helped create?