Elon Musk Sues Joy Behar and The View for Defamation, Seeking $70 Million in Damages

In a bold legal move, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has filed a defamation lawsuit against Joy Behar, co-host of the popular ABC daytime talk show The View, and the show’s producers, demanding $70 million in damages. The lawsuit, which was filed on March 20, 2025, in a California court, accuses Behar and The View of broadcasting “false and malicious” statements about Musk, tarnishing his reputation and causing significant personal and professional harm. This lawsuit marks a significant clash between Musk, one of the world’s most influential innovators, and a prominent figure in American television, shining a spotlight on the complex intersection of free speech, media accountability, and public personas.

The Controversial Remarks

The lawsuit stems from comments made by Behar during a heated segment of The View about Musk’s growing influence in both the political and economic spheres. In the broadcast, Behar labeled Musk as “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States,” suggesting that his South African upbringing during the apartheid era had shaped a problematic worldview. Specifically, Behar stated, “He was born under apartheid in South Africa, so he has that mentality going on—he was pro-apartheid, as I understand it.”

These statements, according to Musk’s legal team, were not only baseless but also inflammatory and intended to damage his character. Behar later backtracked on her comments during the same broadcast, admitting, “I don’t really know for sure if he was [pro-apartheid],” and joking, “So don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?” Despite this retraction, Musk’s legal team maintains that the damage was already done, as Behar’s initial statements were reckless and carried “malicious intent” to harm Musk’s reputation.

The $70 Million Demand

Musk’s lawsuit asserts that Behar’s comments were intended to smear his character, accusing him of supporting a racist regime and portraying him as a threat to American values. His attorneys argue that these accusations are demonstrably false and that the $70 million figure reflects the significant harm done to Musk’s public image, as well as the potential ripple effects on his business ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and his social media platform, X Corp.

The lawsuit reads, “Ms. Behar and The View knowingly broadcast falsehoods to millions of viewers, portraying Mr. Musk as a supporter of a racist regime and a threat to American values—accusations that are demonstrably untrue. This was not a mere slip of the tongue but a calculated attack.”

Musk, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, during the height of apartheid, has often spoken about his upbringing and the complexities of growing up in a segregated society. However, Musk has never publicly endorsed apartheid, and his family has consistently refuted any claims that they supported the ideology behind it. Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has written in previous social media posts that opposing apartheid publicly in South Africa could have resulted in imprisonment, suggesting that the family navigated a difficult and dangerous environment during that period, rather than endorsing it.

A Battle Over Free Speech and Accountability

The lawsuit has sparked a flurry of reactions, both in support of Musk and in defense of Behar’s right to free expression. Musk’s supporters, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), have rallied behind him, calling Behar’s remarks “disgraceful” and urging Musk to hold the media accountable for the harm caused by false narratives. One user wrote, “Musk is right to take action. The media has too much power to destroy people with lies.”

On the other hand, critics view the lawsuit as an attempt to silence free expression. “Joy Behar was giving an opinion, not stating a legal fact. Suing over this is absurd,” wrote one X user, highlighting the complexity of the case. Legal experts have pointed out that the outcome of the lawsuit could hinge on whether Behar’s statements qualify as protected opinion under U.S. law, or whether they cross the line into defamation by presenting unverifiable assertions as fact.

The Stakes for Behar and The View

For Behar and The View, the stakes could not be higher. Known for her candid commentary and sharp opinions, Behar has weathered many controversies throughout her career. However, a $70 million lawsuit from one of the wealthiest individuals in the world presents a new and daunting challenge.

Neither Behar nor ABC has issued an official response to the lawsuit, but sources close to The View have stated that producers are preparing a strong defense. They may argue that Behar’s later retraction of her comments and her admission of uncertainty over the truth of her statements mitigate any potential damage. Despite this, a loss could set a dangerous precedent, potentially stifling outspoken commentary about public figures and curbing free speech on television.

Musk’s Track Record with Media Controversies

Musk is no stranger to public battles with the media. Throughout his career, he has frequently clashed with journalists and public figures, often accusing them of misrepresenting his words or actions. This lawsuit appears to be yet another chapter in Musk’s ongoing feud with the media, as he fights to defend his character and hold those who spread falsehoods about him accountable.

“This lawsuit isn’t just about money,” Musk reportedly said in the filing. “It’s about setting the record straight and defending my reputation.” His frustration with the media’s portrayal of him is evident, as Musk has frequently used his platform to voice his displeasure with how he is portrayed in the press.

What’s Next?

As the legal proceedings begin, all eyes will be on the courtroom as Musk and Behar’s attorneys present their cases. The outcome of this high-profile lawsuit could have significant implications for the way defamation cases are handled in the media industry, especially when it comes to high-profile public figures.

For Musk, this case is more than just about seeking financial compensation. It is a statement against the media’s ability to tarnish reputations based on unfounded claims. And for Behar, the lawsuit represents a challenge to the boundaries of free speech, particularly when personal opinions are broadcast to millions of viewers.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, it promises to be a defining moment in the ongoing debate over media accountability, free expression, and the power of words. With the potential for a $70 million payout on the line, this legal drama is set to captivate the nation and raise important questions about the responsibility of public figures in shaping public opinion.