Ads promoting a documentary scrutinizing Elon Musk, the controversial billionaire, were initially rejected by TikTok and X but have now been allowed on YouTube and Meta’s social media platforms after a short delay. The trailer for the nearly four-hour documentary, titled “Musk,” was released on Thursday in anticipation of its theatrical debut on Oct. 9.
According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter on Friday, indie distributor Bleecker Street faced rejection from all four companies when attempting to purchase ads for the film. YouTube, TikTok, and Meta cited “political content” as the reason for the rejection, while X, owned by Musk, did not provide any comment.
Following an online backlash, YouTube confirmed on Saturday that the ads for “Musk” are now running on its platform. The platform stated that the ad had initially faced temporary restrictions but was cleared for publication after review.
A spokesperson for Meta informed CBC News on Monday that the ads were mistakenly rejected and have now been reinstated, without further explanation. Bleecker Street, TikTok, and X did not respond to requests for comment.
TikTok prohibits paid political ads, while Meta restricts them in certain regions like the European Union. YouTube permits political ads as long as they include transparency disclosures, and X allows them in regions such as the U.S.
Elon Musk’s political involvement gained attention 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 figure known for his outspoken views.
The documentary delves into Musk’s alleged attempts to control online discourse, including his acquisition of Twitter (now X) and accusations of using his Starlink satellites to influence the 2024 election improperly. The film’s trailer features snippets of Musk’s political activities, raising questions about the platforms’ ad restrictions.
Director Alex Gibney expressed relief after YouTube and Meta approved the ads, attributing the decision to public pressure. Musk has dismissed the documentary as a “hit piece” and criticized Gibney for his portrayal.
Critics have praised the film for its damning depiction of Musk’s power and influence. The documentary has sparked discussions about tech billionaires’ impact, with another film focusing on Mark Zuckerberg set for release next month.