Elon Musk’s controversial messages are once again making headlines as he faces a court case involving OpenAI. Just days before the trial started, Musk attempted to settle a lawsuit accusing him of trying to shift OpenAI away from its original mission. His messages and behavior during this process are now under scrutiny, with some court filings suggesting his words could hurt his case.

Musk’s Last-Minute Settlement Offer and Threatening Remarks

According to court documents, Musk reached out to OpenAI’s President Greg Brockman two days before the trial, asking about a possible settlement. Brockman responded by suggesting both sides drop their claims, but Musk refused. Instead, Musk’s reply took a darker turn, warning that “by the end of this week, you and Sam will be the most hated men in America.” He also hinted that if the claims weren’t dropped, there might be serious consequences.

This aggressive tone is significant because it shows Musk’s willingness to use threats rather than negotiation. The court might consider these messages as evidence of Musk’s true motives, especially since Brockman’s testimony could reveal Musk’s intentions behind the lawsuit. Musk’s words could also be used to argue that his actions are driven by personal grudges rather than business concerns.

The Trial and Musk’s Testimony

The legal proceedings began with Musk taking the stand as the first witness. During his testimony, Musk appeared to falter, making concessions and showing signs of frustration. He also admitted to not fully understanding AI safety issues at his own company, xAI. His questionable credibility on these points could weaken his position in the case.

Meanwhile, Musk’s threatening message to Brockman could become a key piece of evidence. OpenAI plans to have Brockman testify about the message, which Musk’s lawyers argue should not be admitted. Typically, communications made during settlement negotiations are protected and considered inadmissible, but there are exceptions. The courts previously allowed similar messages in Musk’s failed attempt to back out of his Twitter purchase, where he used threatening language about “World War III” if he was forced to buy Twitter at a certain price.

OpenAI claims Musk’s message to Brockman was coercive and not a genuine attempt to settle. They argue it shows Musk’s motive to attack his competitors and manipulate the legal process. This could reinforce claims that Musk’s lawsuit is motivated by personal vendettas rather than legitimate business concerns. The judge will decide whether the message can be admitted as evidence, a decision that could influence the case significantly.

Implications and Future Outlook

This episode highlights how Musk’s past statements continue to influence his legal battles. His history of making menacing remarks, including during the Twitter lawsuit, suggests a pattern of aggressive tactics. Whether these messages will ultimately sway the court remains to be seen, but they clearly complicate Musk’s defense.

The judge’s decision on whether to admit Musk’s message to Brockman could set a precedent for how settlement communications are treated in future cases. If allowed, it might open the door for more aggressive tactics in legal disputes involving high-profile figures. For Musk, the court’s ruling may also impact his credibility and the public perception of his legal strategies.

As the trial continues, all eyes are on how the court handles these contentious messages. The outcome could have broader implications for Musk’s legal battles and his reputation in the tech industry. For now, the case remains a vivid reminder of how personal and business conflicts can intertwine in the courtroom.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/musks-world-war-iii-threat-in-twitter-lawsuit-haunts-him-at-openai-trial/