Elon Musk is lashing out at filmmaker Alex Gibney following the debut of a new documentary about his life. The billionaire has unleashed a series of attacks against both the director and the film. The backlash follows the documentary’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Meanwhile, Musk’s legal team has also raised concerns about claims featured in the film.
Elon Musk attacks Alex Gibney after the director premieres ‘Musk’ at Venice
Gibney premiered the nearly four-hour Musk at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 8. The documentary examines Musk’s personal life, businesses and growing political influence, according to Reuters.
Musk did not participate in the film. However, he quickly attacked Gibney after its premiere. In several X posts, Musk accused the filmmaker of having “zero integrity.” He also called Gibney a “horrible human” and described the documentary as a “hit piece,” The Guardian reported.
Musk also responded to an image suggesting Gibney was part of a chain controlled by political interests. He simply wrote, “Accurate.”
Meanwhile, Gibney defended his approach at Venice. He said some potential interview subjects were afraid to speak publicly about Musk. The Oscar-winning director also described Musk as “extremely dangerous.”
The dispute extends beyond social media. Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has threatened potential legal action over claims involving the 2024 presidential election, People reported.
Spiro alleges that the film creates a false impression that Musk used Starlink to influence the 2024 presidential election. He also claims the filmmakers did not give Musk’s team an adequate opportunity to respond. Spiro’s letter reportedly demands that documentary materials be preserved and warns of potential legal proceedings if the filmmakers do not engage.
The documentary includes interviews with Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk, his father Errol Musk and Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard. Ashley St. Clair also appears in the film.
For now, the legal dispute has added another layer to the controversy surrounding Musk. The documentary is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on Oct. 16.
