Musk Threatened OpenAI's Altman: Lawsuit Heats Up

Elon Musk threatened to make OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman "the most hated men in America." This threat came just before his lawsuit against the company went to trial. Musk sent a message to Brockman, asking about a settlement. When Brockman suggested dropping claims, Musk responded with the threat, according to a court filing. Attorneys for Brockman, Altman, and OpenAI say this message shows Musk's motive is to attack a competitor. The lawsuit is now in its second week. Musk, an OpenAI co-founder, claims he donated $45 million believing it would be a nonprofit. He says he was "duped" when Altman and Brockman transitioned OpenAI to a for-profit entity. OpenAI, however, argues Musk wanted to merge them with Tesla and become CEO. When they refused, he distanced himself and later founded xAI as a competitor. Musk testified last week, clashing with OpenAI's attorney. OpenAI transitioned to a public benefit corporation in October 2025. Microsoft received a 27% stake, and the OpenAI Foundation received a stake valued at $130 billion. The company's recent fundraising valued it at $852 billion. OpenAI believes Musk's suit is an attempt to derail them as a competitor. The trial is expected to continue through mid-May. This legal battle highlights the intense competition and high stakes in the artificial intelligence industry.