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

Los Angeles, CA – In a high-profile escalation that has captured national attention, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has filed a defamation lawsuit against Joy Behar, co-host of ABC’s popular daytime talk show, “The View,” as well as the show’s producers, seeking $70 million in damages. Filed on March 20, 2025, in a California court, Musk’s lawsuit accuses Behar and the program of spreading “false and malicious” statements that allegedly harmed his reputation, both personally and professionally. This legal clash between Musk, one of the world’s most influential tech innovators, and Behar, a prominent figure in American television, has sparked intense debate about free speech and media responsibility.

The lawsuit centers on remarks made by Behar during a recent episode of “The View,” where she described Musk as “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States,” criticizing his increasing influence on politics and business. In the segment, Behar discussed Musk’s South African upbringing, claiming, “He was born under apartheid in South Africa, so he has that mentality going on—he was pro-apartheid, as I understand it.” Musk’s legal team strongly disputes these allegations, emphasizing Behar’s own uncertainty, as she later admitted, “I don’t really know for sure if he was,” before humorously adding, “So don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?”

Despite this on-air disclaimer, Musk’s attorneys argue that Behar’s original statements were both reckless and intentionally harmful. Given the show’s substantial viewership, they assert that these comments unfairly portrayed Musk as a racist and un-American figure, causing measurable damage to his businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp. “Ms. Behar and ‘The View’ knowingly broadcast falsehoods to millions, accusing Mr. Musk of supporting a racist regime and threatening American values—accusations that are unequivocally false,” the lawsuit states. “This was no slip-up; it was a calculated attack.”

Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, has previously addressed his upbringing during the apartheid era, clarifying he left at 17 to study in Canada and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He has consistently denied supporting apartheid, with his mother, Maye Musk, publicly noting on social media that openly opposing apartheid at the time could result in imprisonment, indicating a nuanced and challenging environment. Musk’s lawsuit stresses these historical complexities, accusing Behar of oversimplifying and falsifying his past for dramatic effect.

The lawsuit has generated intense reactions online. Musk’s supporters have flooded social media, defending his stance and urging him to hold media figures accountable. Conversely, critics argue the lawsuit threatens free speech, characterizing Behar’s comments as opinion rather than defamation. Legal experts suggest the court’s decision will depend heavily on whether Behar’s comments are deemed protected opinion or presented as factual assertions.

For Behar and ABC, this lawsuit represents a significant challenge. Known for her bold commentary, the 82-year-old comedian has faced controversies before, yet the financial stakes and Musk’s considerable resources elevate the risk. Sources close to “The View” indicate that producers and legal advisors are preparing a vigorous defense, likely highlighting Behar’s subsequent on-air clarification as mitigating evidence.

Elon Musk, familiar with contentious public feuds, appears committed to pushing forward aggressively. His $70 million claim is as symbolic as it is financial, signaling his frustration with media narratives he views as unfair and harmful. “They are lying about me,” Musk reportedly remarked, highlighting his ongoing conflicts with media portrayals.

The coming legal battle promises to be a high-stakes courtroom drama, scrutinizing the boundaries of televised commentary, the responsibilities of public figures, and the complexities of free speech in America. As proceedings begin in the upcoming weeks, the nation—and indeed the world—will be closely watching this landmark defamation case unfold.