OpenAI Releases Musk Texts Threatening Altman, Brockman
OpenAI released text messages Sunday in which Elon Musk allegedly warned co-founder Greg Brockman and CEO Sam Altman they “will be the most hated men in America,” according to TechCrunch.
The messages were released as part of the ongoing litigation between Musk and OpenAI, reportedly after Musk sought a settlement in the case, according to TechCrunch. OpenAI disclosed the texts as part of its court filings related to Musk’s conduct toward the company’s leadership.
Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before departing and later launching rival AI company xAI, has been engaged in a legal battle with his former venture. His lawsuit has challenged OpenAI’s transition from a nonprofit research lab to a for-profit entity, alleging the company abandoned its founding mission to develop artificial intelligence for the broad benefit of humanity.
The release of the text messages adds to the public record of the dispute. The case involves questions of AI governance, nonprofit conversion law, and conduct standards at major AI laboratories.
The texts were directed at Brockman, who serves as OpenAI’s president, and Altman, the company’s chief executive. The dispute has largely been argued on corporate governance grounds.
The lawsuit has drawn attention from regulators, lawmakers, and industry observers, with its outcome potentially affecting how AI organizations structure themselves and manage transitions from research-oriented nonprofits to commercial enterprises.
Neither Musk nor representatives for xAI have publicly commented on the released messages as of publication. OpenAI has maintained that its restructuring serves the organization’s mission while enabling the capital investment necessary to pursue advanced AI research.
The case is pending in federal court. A trial timeline has not been publicly confirmed.
