OpenAI lawyers seek Musk message as evidence in civil trial
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · May 4
OpenAI lawyers seek Musk message as evidence in civil trial
5 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 4
In a Sunday filing, they cited Musk's April 25 text to Greg Brockman warning he and Sam Altman would become "the most hated men in America".
Defence lawyers say the message shows motive and bias, arguing Musk is using the Oakland trial to damage rival xAI's competitor OpenAI and its leaders.
The case began with jury selection on April 27 after Musk's 2024 suit over OpenAI's shift from a nonprofit; Brockman is due to testify on Monday.
Musk’s own AI uses OpenAI models. Is his lawsuit about saving humanity or just destroying a rival?
With a diary admitting dishonesty, could a decade-old promise bring down the world’s most valuable AI company?
Musk vs. OpenAI Trial: $150 Billion Dispute Over Nonprofit Shift and AI Industry Control
Overview
In late April 2026, Elon Musk initiated a settlement discussion with OpenAI's Greg Brockman but responded with a sharp threat when Brockman proposed dropping legal claims. This threat became central to OpenAI's argument that Musk's lawsuit was driven by personal animosity and competitive motives linked to his rival AI company, xAI. Musk claimed deception over OpenAI's shift from nonprofit to for-profit, demanding massive damages, but admitted he had not fully reviewed key documents, weakening his case. OpenAI countered by highlighting Musk's $97.4 billion acquisition attempt and portraying the lawsuit as a tactic to hinder OpenAI's growth. The trial, focused strictly on legal issues, continues with high stakes for AI governance and industry competition.