Musk director Alex Gibney on Elon Musk’s legal threat: ‘He wasn’t interested in talking’

Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney, responding to Elon Musk's legal threat over his documentary, told the Toronto International Film Festival audience that he repeatedly attempted to contact Musk during production but received no response. Gibney's nearly four-hour film examines Musk's career and influence, having premiered at the Venice Film Festival before screening at TIFF.

The film faced a legal challenge from Musk's attorneys, who accused it of misrepresenting facts, particularly regarding Musk's alleged influence on the 2024 US presidential election. Gibney insisted the documentary underwent rigorous fact-checking and was supported by legal counsel. He also expressed concerns about the documentary's release amidst the ongoing takeover of Warner Bros.

Discovery by Paramount, with David Ellison, Musk's friend and investor, at the helm of Paramount. Gibney highlighted Musk's role in government, including the controversial DOGE initiative and its impact on USAID, as well as his alleged financial market manipulation. The filmmaker produced a separate documentary about scholar Edward Said, drawing connections between Said's work and current events in Gaza.