Elon Musk Documentary Ignites Backlash After Venice Film Festival Premiere

Director Alex Gibney began work on a documentary about Elon Musk in 2019, aiming to critically examine Musk's rise and influence. The project promised to tackle not just Musk's business ventures, but also his personal life and impact on society, including issues of power and technology.

Ashley St. Clair, a former partner of Musk and mother to one of his children, revealed she was approached to participate in the film. She claims Musk offered her $40 million to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which she refused. This initial controversy drew attention even before the film's premiere.

The documentary, titled 'Musk', premiered at the Venice Film Festival in early September 2026. Critics described it as a nearly four-hour, in-depth exploration of Musk's career, character, and influence. The film used an AI-generated avatar to simulate an interview with Musk, a creative choice since Musk did not participate and declined all interview requests.

Early reviews highlighted the film's critical stance, with some calling it unflinching and others noting its exhaustive detail. Ashley St. Clair's involvement gained attention after she publicly discussed rejecting Musk's NDA offer. She appeared in the film to provide personal insights into Musk's character.

Director Gibney warned during the festival that Musk's control over data and platforms could pose risks to democratic processes, pointing to the potential for election manipulation. The film's reception was polarized, with some viewers commending its investigation and others, including Musk himself, dismissing it as a 'hit piece.'

Following the premiere, Musk lashed out at Gibney on social media, calling him a 'bitter old man' and accusing the film of using witnesses with personal grudges. Musk also threatened legal action against Gibney, escalating the dispute into a public feud.

The documentary has been released to critics and festival audiences, with broader distribution expected soon. Musk continues to denounce the film publicly, disputing claims made by St. Clair and others featured in the documentary.

The controversy has amplified interest in the film and intensified debates about Musk's role in society. Both supporters and critics of Musk are watching closely as the fallout continues.

The next steps include potential legal action from Musk against Gibney or the film's producers, as threatened. The film's wider release may also prompt further responses from Musk, his associates, or other parties mentioned in the documentary.