Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a recently premiered documentary that focuses on him, criticizing director Alex Gibney on social media. The film, titled Musk, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and garnered a positive response with a standing ovation. It delves into Musk’s career as a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for his controversial statements and associations, including ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Critics have described the nearly four-hour-long documentary as a deep exploration of Musk’s persona, labeling him as a wealthy yet mundane individual. Musk, who had initially dismissed the project as a “hit piece,” has continued to express disdain for the documentary on social platforms, labeling it as “boring” and questioning Gibney’s integrity.
Following the premiere, Musk’s attorney issued a formal legal notice to the production, warning of potential legal action if the accuracy of the content was not verified. Jigsaw Productions, the company behind the documentary, defended its factual basis, highlighting the importance of free speech in scrutinizing influential figures like Musk.
The documentary, set to make its Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, tracks Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in various tech companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. It also delves into Musk’s involvement with controversial decisions, such as his role in reshaping the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Featuring interviews with notable individuals connected to Musk, the film raises concerns about his impact on society and his management of platforms like X. Musk’s former partner, Ashley St. Clair, made allegations regarding an attempt to silence her in exchange for a significant sum, which Musk denied.
The documentary is set for a theatrical release in North America, starting on October 16, with a wider distribution planned for October 23.