Ads promoting a documentary scrutinizing controversial billionaire Elon Musk faced rejection on TikTok and X but have now been allowed on YouTube and Meta’s social platforms after initial setbacks. The trailer for the nearly four-hour film “Musk” was released on Thursday in anticipation of its Oct. 9 theatrical premiere.
According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, indie distributor Bleecker Street encountered rejection from all four companies when trying to purchase ad space for the film. YouTube, TikTok, and Meta, including Facebook and Instagram, cited “political content” as the reason for the rejection, while X, owned by Musk, did not provide any comments.
Following an online uproar, YouTube confirmed on Saturday that the ads for “Musk” are now live on the platform. The platform stated that the ad was temporarily restricted by their system but was cleared for display after review.
Meta spokesperson informed CBC News on Monday that the ads were mistakenly rejected and have since been reinstated. Bleecker Street, TikTok, and X did not respond to requests for comments.
TikTok prohibits paid political ads, while Meta restricts such ads in certain regions like the European Union. YouTube allows political ads with transparency disclosures, and X permits them in regions like the U.S.
Musk’s political prominence grew notably when he supported Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in 2024 and later served in his administration. Despite leaving the administration, Musk remains a polarizing and outspoken figure.
The documentary delves into how the world’s wealthiest man allegedly sought to influence online discourse, examining his acquisition of Twitter (now X) and allegations suggesting Musk may have misused his Starlink satellites to impact the 2024 election.
Director Alex Gibney expressed satisfaction after YouTube and Meta approved the ads, attributing the decision to public pressure. Gibney questioned X’s stance on allowing ads for a film critical of Musk, who champions free speech.
Musk has consistently criticized the documentary since its announcement in 2023, labeling it a “hit piece.” He disparaged Gibney and the film on X following its debut at the Venice Film Festival, even threatening legal action over its portrayal of the Starlink satellites.
Critics have lauded the film, with Vulture describing it as a “damning” portrayal of Musk’s power and wealth accumulation, while Variety called it a “lacerating portrait of technocratic brilliance, power lust, and crackpot delusion.”
Apart from Musk, tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg will also be under scrutiny in Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film “The Social Reckoning,” a sequel to the 2010 film “The Social Network.”
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