Musk’s “World War III” threat in Twitter lawsuit haunts him at OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company abandoned its nonprofit mission, is underway with Musk as the first witness. OpenAI claims Musk attempted to coerce a settlement with threatening messages, similar to tactics used in his failed Twitter acquisition. The court may allow testimony about Musk's alleged threats, which OpenAI argues reveal his true motive: targeting a competitor and its leadership.
- ▪Elon Musk sued OpenAI, claiming it strayed from its original mission to develop AI for humanity's benefit.
- ▪Days before trial, Musk messaged OpenAI’s Greg Brockman about settling, but the message allegedly turned threatening.
- ▪OpenAI argues the message should be admissible as evidence of coercion, citing Musk’s past 'World War III' threat during the Twitter lawsuit.
- ▪Musk’s behavior on the stand included backtracking on AI risk claims and admitting ignorance about AI safety at his own company, xAI.
- ▪William Savitt, the lawyer questioning Musk, was part of Musk’s legal team during the Twitter acquisition dispute.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Musk’s “menacing” message Musk’s “World War III” threat in Twitter lawsuit haunts him at OpenAI trial OpenAI accuses Musk of trying to “coerce” a settlement days before trial started. Ashley Belanger – May 4, 2026 11:05 am | 30 An Elon Musk sign sits in a bush at the federal courthouse during proceedings in the trial over Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI. Credit: JOSH EDELSON / Contributor | AFP An Elon Musk sign sits in a bush at the federal courthouse during proceedings in the trial over Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI.
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