Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a recently premiered documentary that focuses on his life and career. Musk criticized the director, Alex Gibney, on social media, calling him a “horrible human.”
The documentary titled Musk made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and received a standing ovation. The film, nearly four hours long, delves into Musk’s journey as a controversial figure in the tech industry, known for his connections to powerful individuals like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Critics have described the documentary as an “epic study” of Musk, portraying him as a complex and often divisive personality. The film is set to have its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Musk has expressed strong disapproval of the documentary since its announcement in 2023, labeling it a “hit piece” on various occasions. Recently, he took to social media to criticize the film, calling it “boring” and questioning the integrity of Gibney.
In response, Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a formal legal notice to the production team, threatening legal action if they did not verify their facts with credible sources. Jigsaw Productions, the company behind the documentary, defended the film’s accuracy, emphasizing the importance of examining influential figures in a free speech environment.
The documentary tracks Musk’s life from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in various tech companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. It scrutinizes his partnership with Trump and his involvement in governmental decisions that have had global repercussions.
Featuring interviews with key figures in Musk’s life, including former associates and family members, the documentary sheds light on his controversial decisions and public image. The film also explores Musk’s involvement in Tesla’s self-driving technology and the controversies surrounding its safety claims.
The documentary is set to premiere in select North American theaters on October 16, with a wider release scheduled for October 23.