Alex Gibney's documentary "Musk" premiered at Venice to strong reviews, and Elon Musk calls it a "boring hit piece". Serious accountability journalism, or a one-sided takedown?
Musk's lawyer has sent legal letters over its claims. Gibney, an Oscar-winning documentarian, interviewed Musk's father, first wife, an ex-girlfriend and former colleagues for the film.
What happened
Alex Gibney's documentary Musk, featuring interviews with Musk's father, his first wife, an ex-girlfriend and former colleagues, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to positive reviews and a lengthy standing ovation. Musk responded on X calling the film a hit piece, attacking Gibney's integrity, and his attorney has reportedly sent a letter to the production company disputing a claim about Musk's use of Starlink around the 2024 election.
Why people disagree
Backers of the film point to Gibney's Oscar-winning track record and NPR's reporting that it obtained and authenticated text messages central to the film's claims, arguing this is substantiated journalism about a uniquely powerful private figure. Musk and his defenders argue the film's cast, described by Musk as people who have an axe to grind, was assembled to build a predetermined negative narrative rather than a fair one.
What's still unclear
Whether Musk's legal team follows through with an actual lawsuit, and what that would mean for the film's scheduled October US theatrical release.
Sources
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