**Elon Musk Lashes Out at Documentary Filmmaker Ahead of New Release**
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In the lead-up to the highly anticipated release of a new documentary titled “Musk” by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has publicly disparaged the director, labelling him a “douchebag.” The documentary, set to be released in US theatres on October 16, has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the involvement of Musk’s ex-partner, Ashley St. Clair, who has been vocal about her experiences with the billionaire.
St. Clair, a former conservative influencer, features prominently in the film. During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, where the documentary premiered, she revealed that she had been approached with a staggering offer of $40 million to maintain silence on the details of her relationship with Musk. “When you’re offered something like that to stay quiet, it really causes a debate in your head about what your speech means and how valuable that is,” she stated, conveying the internal conflict such a substantial offer created.
The documentary will delve into Musk’s tumultuous personal and professional life, including his relationships and his active engagement in the spheres of politics and social media. Notably, it will touch upon Musk’s parenting of 14 children with four partners, alongside his corporate battles, including his recent acquisition of Twitter, and his connections with former President Donald Trump.
St. Clair has a son, Romulus, with Musk and is currently entangled in a custody dispute with him. Reflecting on her past affiliations with right-wing ideologies, she admitted to naivety but expressed a desire to make amends by speaking out. “That ignorance does not excuse any role in that… I hope the risk that I’m taking now helps a little bit,” she remarked.
In previous interviews, St. Clair has indicated that she was offered a considerable sum related to a nondisclosure agreement. During a conversation on Don Lemon’s video show in June, she recounted an incident where Musk allegedly directed his aide Jared Birchall to wire her $15 million as part of an arrangement to keep quiet, shortly before Birchall proposed discussing an NDA. St. Clair firmly declined, stating, “I cannot in good conscience sign this.”
St. Clair stressed her motivation for speaking out, focusing on the example she wishes to set for her children. “Most importantly, I want to show my kids that you should never take being materially comfortable over speaking the truth,” she asserted, highlighting her commitment to integrity over financial gain.
Musk has shown disdain for Gibney’s work, accusing the filmmaker of bias and of creating a “hit piece” about him. In a prior statement, Musk claimed that Gibney’s portrayal of him would be unfairly negative. In contrast, Gibney acknowledged that while bias exists, he aims to challenge his own assumptions through his investigative process. “I started off as a kind of admirer and was honest in my desire to want to talk to him, but ultimately he didn’t want to talk to me,” Gibney explained to the Associated Press.
Despite Musk’s lack of participation in the documentary, Gibney has creatively reconstructed Musk’s narrative by utilising his past statements and public interactions. The finished product promises to provide a multifaceted view of a complex figure whose impact on technology and culture continues to be profound and polarising.
As the release date approaches, discussions surrounding Musk, St. Clair, and the documentary are likely to intensify, reflecting on the implications of power dynamics, celebrity culture, and the ethical responsibilities of individuals and filmmakers alike. The film “Musk” is poised to spark conversations not only about its subject but also about the nature of truth-telling in the face of significant personal challenges.