Musk Reached Out to OpenAI President Before Court, Seeking a Settlement
A recent court filing reveals that Elon Musk contacted OpenAI President Greg Brockman two days before the high-stakes trial began in Oakland Federal Court, probing whether the other side would be open to a settlement. The filing, submitted on Sunday, states that Musk reportedly responded:
“By the end of this weekend, you and Sam (Altman) will be the two most hated people in America. If you insist on not settling, just wait and see.”
Musk, his lawyers, and OpenAI have not immediately responded to requests for comment.
This dialogue is the latest point of contention in this lawsuit. The trial itself has already presented a fiercely confrontational atmosphere in court.
Musk testified on Thursday that regarding the terms related to OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit organization in 2017, he only looked at the key points and did not read the detailed appendices.
Musk is suing OpenAI, alleging that its transition to a for-profit model betrayed its original intention – to develop safe artificial intelligence technology for the public good; and simultaneously accusing company executives of improperly profiting from his charitable donations.
Musk is requesting a restructuring of OpenAI’s leadership and is seeking $150 billion in damages from OpenAI and one of its largest investors, Microsoft.
The case is being heard by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Oakland, with the trial beginning on April 28th and expected to last several weeks, with a ruling expected in mid-May.
Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are expected to testify later this month.