Actor Alec Baldwin is facing major backlash after a fiery rant against Elon Musk cost him an $86 million sponsorship deal with luxury brand Loro Piana, marking one of the most significant financial blows of his career. The controversy erupted on April 11, 2025, during an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Baldwin, 67, unleashed a scathing attack on Musk, calling him a “damn idiot” and declaring, “I can’t live here for four years if this guy is running things.” The comments, tied to Musk’s growing political influence, have ignited a firestorm, leading to swift repercussions for the embattled actor.

Baldwin’s outburst came amid discussions about Musk’s role in the Trump administration, particularly his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has positioned him as a polarizing figure in American politics. The actor, known for his outspoken liberal views, didn’t hold back, saying, “Elon Musk is a damn idiot who’s more interested in playing kingmaker than actually helping people. I can’t live here for four years with him pulling strings—I’m out.” The remarks quickly went viral, amassing over 5 million views on X within hours, with reactions ranging from support to outrage. Some fans praised Baldwin’s candor, with one user posting, “Alec is saying what we’re all thinking—Musk’s influence is terrifying.” Others, however, called the comments reckless, with another user writing, “Baldwin just tanked his career over a temper tantrum.”

The fallout was immediate. Loro Piana, an Italian luxury brand known for its high-end textiles, announced on April 12 that it was terminating its sponsorship deal with Baldwin, which had been signed in January 2025 and was set to span three years. The deal, valued at $86 million, included Baldwin starring in global ad campaigns and serving as a brand ambassador—a role that aligned with his sophisticated public image. In a statement, Loro Piana cited Baldwin’s comments as the reason for the split, saying, “We are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive image. Mr. Baldwin’s recent statements do not align with our values, and we have chosen to end our partnership effective immediately.”

Sources close to Baldwin told Variety that the actor was “blindsided” by the decision, believing his comments were protected free speech. However, Loro Piana’s move reflects a growing trend of brands distancing themselves from celebrities embroiled in political controversies, especially those involving Musk, who has a fiercely loyal fanbase and significant influence as the owner of X. Musk himself responded to Baldwin’s rant on the platform, writing, “Alec Baldwin calling me an idiot while losing $86M is the funniest thing I’ve seen all week. Maybe he should focus on his own problems.” The post garnered over 2 million likes, further amplifying the controversy.

Baldwin’s career has already been under scrutiny following the 2021 Rust shooting incident, for which he faced involuntary manslaughter charges before being acquitted in 2024. The loss of the Loro Piana deal adds to his woes, with some industry insiders questioning whether Baldwin can recover from this latest setback. “Alec’s always been outspoken, but this might have been a step too far,” said entertainment analyst Mark Daniels. “Brands are skittish about political drama, especially when it involves someone as powerful as Musk.”

For now, Baldwin has not publicly addressed the sponsorship loss, though sources say he is considering legal action against Loro Piana for breach of contract. As the dust settles, this incident underscores the high stakes of celebrity endorsements in an era where political divides are deeper than ever. Baldwin’s clash with Musk has not only cost him millions but also raised questions about the price of speaking out in today’s volatile cultural landscape.