Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has officially filed a lawsuit against Joy Behar and the popular TV show “The View” for defamation, claiming damages of up to $70 million. The case was reported just 15 minutes after the legal filing was made in a federal court in California. According to the contents of the lawsuit, Musk claimed that Joy Behar’s comments on the recent show seriously damaged his personal reputation and image, as well as his business.
The incident began when Joy Behar made comments on a recent broadcast of “The View” regarding Elon Musk’s behavior and business decisions. According to Musk, these statements are slanderous, not based on truth, and presented in a way that misleads viewers. The lawsuit states that these statements not only tarnish Musk’s reputation personally, but also negatively affect the companies he runs, including Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X.
Lawyers representing Elon Musk said the legal action this time was intended to send a clear message that spreading false information under the guise of “commentary” or “entertainment” was unacceptable. They also stressed that free speech does not mean defaming others. Meanwhile, “The View” has yet to comment on the lawsuit, and Joy Behar has not appeared before the media to respond to the allegations.
The incident immediately attracted intense public and media attention. Some Musk supporters say he has the right to protect his personal honor and business reputation from false information. On the contrary, some others are concerned that the lawsuit could set a bad precedent, affecting freedom of the press and the right to express one’s opinions in the public sphere.
While the incident will have to wait for a court review and rules, it highlights the increasingly tense relationship between celebrities and the media. In the context of powerful social networks, the line between information, rumor and defamation is increasingly blurred. Musk’s lawsuit could become a case in point for redefining the boundaries of free speech in the digital age.
