Musk’s Threat to Make Altman and Brockman ‘Most Hated Men in America’ Resurfaces as OpenAI Trial Begins

*TL;DR: Elon Musk warned Sam Altman and Greg Brockman they would become “the most hated men in America” if they refused to drop claims, a threat now on trial as his testimony unravels.

Context The lawsuit filed by Musk alleges that OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit mission under Altman’s leadership. Days before the trial, Musk reached out to OpenAI President Greg Brockman to explore a settlement. Brockman suggested both sides discard their claims; Musk rejected the idea and issued the stark warning.

Key Facts - Two days before the trial, Musk messaged Brockman to gauge settlement interest. Brockman replied that dropping all claims would end the dispute. 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.” - The trial opened with Musk as the first witness. During his testimony he stumbled, made concessions, and grew visibly hot‑tempered. - Musk withdrew his earlier claim that AI could pose an imminent existential risk and admitted he lacks knowledge of AI safety practices at his own company, xAI. - Brockman is expected to testify about the threatening message, potentially allowing the court to admit the exchange as evidence of Musk’s motives.

What It Means The resurfacing of Musk’s threat could damage his credibility with the jury, especially as his own statements undermine the urgency of AI risk he previously championed. If the court admits Brockman’s testimony, the exchange may portray Musk as using intimidation to force a settlement, shifting focus from the substantive claims about OpenAI’s mission. The trial will likely hinge on whether Musk’s aggressive tactics outweigh the merits of his allegations.

Watch for the jury’s response to Brockman’s testimony and any further admissions from Musk that could reshape the legal battle over OpenAI’s nonprofit origins.