YouTube, Meta Restore Ads for ‘Musk’ Documentary: ‘This Was an Error’

Advertisements for Bleecker Street's Elon Musk documentary "Musk" will resume airing on Meta and YouTube following their initial rejection by both platforms, according to both companies. The platforms, along with TikTok and Musk-owned X, had refused to run ads for the film. A Meta spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap on Saturday that the decision to restore the ads was made, stating that "This was an error and we’re restoring the ads."

The trailer for "Musk" has always been accessible on YouTube; it was only temporarily restricted by the platform's system when submitted as an ad. YouTube's official social media account confirmed on Saturday that after review, the ad is cleared to run. TikTok and X representatives have yet to comment on the matter. X, being owned by Musk, made the decision to reject ads for a documentary its leadership described as "dogs--t."

Musk has threatened legal action against the film, which includes allegations that he used Starlink satellites to influence the 2024 presidential election. The four-hour "Musk" premiered at the Venice Film Festival in early September, receiving strong reviews. Directed by Alex Gibney, known for documentaries on the Church of Scientology and Elizabeth Holmes, the film will be released in North America by Bleecker Street on October 9.

In TheWrap's review from Venice, contributor and critic Ben Croll described "Musk" as a "punishing doc" meant to provoke nightmares and an ongoing obituary for a world in decline.