Elon Musk is said to be pursuing legal recourse against a documentary that has stirred up controversy following its premiere. Musk criticized director Alex Gibney on social media, labeling him as a “horrible human.” The film, titled Musk, debuted at the Venice Film Festival to a standing ovation and delves into Elon Musk’s career trajectory as a prominent figure in the tech industry and his ties to influential individuals like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Receiving both acclaim and criticism, the nearly four-hour documentary portrays Musk as a divisive figure who has cultivated a right-wing persona while leading a conglomerate of tech companies worth trillions. Reviews from publications like The Guardian and Deadline described the film as a comprehensive exploration of Musk’s character, labeling him as the “world’s richest and most banal man” and a figure deserving of critique.
Scheduled for its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, Musk has sparked a heated response from Elon Musk himself. Musk denounced the documentary as a “hit piece” since its announcement in 2023, intensifying his disapproval on social media in the past week.
In the midst of the controversy, Musk’s legal team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, issued a formal letter to the documentary’s production, threatening legal action unless the facts presented were verified with credible sources. Jigsaw Productions, the team behind the documentary, defended the film’s accuracy, asserting that examining powerful figures like Musk falls under the umbrella of free speech.
Despite Musk’s public disdain for the documentary, he has yet to confirm if he has watched it. The film, directed by Alex Gibney, traces Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in various tech startups and his association with Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures. It also scrutinizes Musk’s connections to Trump and his involvement in controversial decisions affecting global organizations like the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Featuring interviews with key individuals like Martin Eberhard and Justine Musk, the documentary sheds light on Musk’s personal and professional life, including his relationships and business decisions. Notably, former partner Ashley St. Clair made an appearance, revealing allegations of a lucrative offer to remain silent in the film.
As tensions escalate, Musk continues to challenge the documentary’s portrayal of him, igniting a public dispute that has captured widespread attention. The film’s release in North American theaters is scheduled for October, promising to spark further discussions about Musk’s legacy and influence in the tech industry.