Elon Musk Sues Joy Behar and The View for Defamation, Demands $70 Million in Damages Over ‘False’ Claims”

In an unexpected and high-profile legal move, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has filed a defamation lawsuit against The View’s Joy Behar and the show’s producers, seeking a whopping $70 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on March 20, 2025, in California, accuses Behar and the show of making “false and malicious” statements that have severely damaged Musk’s reputation and caused substantial personal and professional harm.

This bold legal action has placed Musk in direct conflict with one of America’s most influential talk shows, highlighting a dramatic collision between free speech, media accountability, and the public figures caught in the crossfire.

The Comments That Sparked the Lawsuit

The controversy centers on remarks Behar made during a recent episode of The View, where she described Musk as “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States.” During a discussion about Musk’s growing political and economic influence, Behar suggested that his South African upbringing during apartheid had shaped a problematic worldview. “He was born under apartheid in South Africa, so he has that mentality going on—he was pro-apartheid, as I understand it,” Behar stated.

Musk’s legal team wasted no time in responding, arguing that Behar’s statements were not only “reckless” but also intended to damage his character. Musk’s lawyers pointed out that Behar later backtracked, admitting, “I don’t really know for sure if he was,” before lightheartedly adding, “So don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?” Despite this attempt to soften the blow, Musk’s team asserts that the damage was already done.

$70 Million: The Stakes Are High

The $70 million in damages being sought reflects the harm caused by what Musk’s legal team describes as an intentional smear campaign. The lawsuit claims that Behar’s comments—aired to millions of viewers—were intended to portray Musk as a supporter of apartheid and a danger to American values, which Musk’s team argues is demonstrably untrue.

Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, was raised during the apartheid era, a period of racial segregation. He left South Africa at the age of 17 and later became a U.S. citizen. While Musk has occasionally discussed his childhood, he has never publicly endorsed apartheid, and his family has made it clear that they opposed it. Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, shared on X that speaking out against apartheid could result in imprisonment, implying that their family navigated the complex political environment rather than supporting the regime.

The Reactions: Supporters vs. Critics

The defamation suit has set off a wave of reactions online. Musk’s supporters, particularly on X, have rallied behind him, condemning Behar’s comments as “disgraceful” and calling for the media to be held accountable for spreading false narratives. On the other hand, critics argue that this lawsuit is a direct attack on free speech. “Joy Behar was offering an opinion, not a legal fact. Suing over this is absurd,” one X user posted.

Legal experts are divided on the issue, with some suggesting that Behar’s remarks might qualify as protected opinion under U.S. law, while others argue that presenting unverified accusations as facts crosses the line into defamation.

Behar and The View’s High Stakes Defense

For Behar and The View, this lawsuit represents a new frontier. Behar, known for her outspoken and often controversial commentary, has faced criticism in the past, but nothing like a $70 million lawsuit from one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Sources close to the show indicate that producers are preparing a robust defense, potentially arguing that Behar’s on-air retraction and the lighthearted tone of her apology significantly reduced any harm caused.

However, a loss in this case could set a chilling precedent for how media outlets handle commentary about public figures, particularly when it involves unverified claims that could damage reputations.

Musk’s Determination and What’s at Stake

Musk, who is no stranger to public battles, appears determined to see this lawsuit through. For him, this isn’t just about the $70 million—it’s a statement. “They are lying about me,” Musk reportedly said in the filing, echoing his long-standing frustrations with media portrayals.

This legal battle isn’t just about the reputations of Musk and Behar, but also about the future of media accountability. If successful, Musk’s lawsuit could send a message to the media about the power of words and the potential consequences of defamation in today’s polarized environment.

As the case moves forward, the outcome could redefine the boundaries of televised discourse and reshape how the media engages with the public figures they cover. The nation will be watching as this high-stakes legal drama unfolds.