Two companies have announced they will now accept advertisements for Alex Gibney’s forthcoming documentary about Elon Musk, following reports that several social media platforms previously declined to run the ads.
A report from a prominent Hollywood publication stated that platforms like TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and X had initially rejected paid promotions for the documentary trailer titled “Musk.”
However, when contacted for clarification, a Meta spokesperson acknowledged a mistake, stating, “This was an error, and the ads are being restored.” Details regarding this situation are still pending feedback from Meta.
YouTube also provided an update, confirming that “the trailer has always been available on YouTube.” They indicated that the ad had been briefly restricted due to their system but has since been approved.
X’s refusal, however, aligns with Musk’s recent remarks directed at Gibney, suggesting a personal bias.
The rejections from Meta, TikTok, and YouTube were reportedly based on the ad being categorized as “political content,” a type under which these platforms impose various restrictions. Meta previously stated it would cease to accept political ads in the EU, while TikTok does not permit them at all. There is some ambiguity over why a documentary trailer would be classified as political, and the film’s U.S. distributor, Bleecker Street, indicated it has contested these rejections.
Gibney is known for his award-winning documentaries such as “Going Clear,” focused on Scientology, and “The Inventor,” which chronicled Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. His latest work, “Musk,” made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival and has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, currently boasting a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is set to be released in U.S. theaters on October 9.
Critic Bilge Ebiri described the near four-hour documentary as an insightful exploration of Musk’s career in technology, his connections with former President Donald Trump, and his personal life. The film includes interviews with figures such as Musk’s ex-wife, Justine Musk, and Ashley St. Clair, a former right-wing influencer associated with Musk.
Ebiri commented on the character study as both “fascinating” and “revealing” in its portrayal of modern business practices, adding a layer of caution regarding the future.
Despite the initial praise, there are concerns surrounding the film’s international distribution, as Universal Pictures has shown hesitance, reportedly fearing backlash from the Trump administration. Nonetheless, the studio confirmed it plans to show the documentary in theaters but is still working out the release details.
Further inquiries have been made to TikTok, X, and Bleecker Street for their responses.
This article will be updated with further information as it becomes available.
