Elon Musk Files $70 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Joy Behar and The View

Los Angeles, CA – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has taken legal action against The View co-host Joy Behar and the show’s producers, filing a defamation lawsuit in a California court on March 20, 2025. The lawsuit, which seeks $70 million in damages, claims Behar made “false and malicious” remarks that damaged Musk’s reputation, both personally and professionally. This legal battle underscores the ongoing debate over free speech, media responsibility, and the rights of public figures.

The lawsuit centers on comments Behar made during a recent episode of The View, where she characterized Musk as “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States” while discussing his political influence and ties to former President Donald Trump. Behar suggested that Musk’s upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa influenced his worldview, stating, “He was born under apartheid in South Africa, so he has that mentality… he was pro-apartheid, as I understand it.” However, she later backtracked, admitting uncertainty and jokingly saying, “So don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?”

Despite this, Musk’s legal team argues that her initial statements were irresponsible and intended to harm his reputation, given The View’s vast audience. They claim the $70 million figure reflects the damage done to Musk’s image and his businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp. The lawsuit states that Behar and the show deliberately spread misinformation, portraying Musk as a supporter of a racist system, an accusation Musk’s attorneys call completely unfounded.

Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, left the country at 17 and eventually became a U.S. citizen. He has never publicly supported apartheid, and his family has denied any connection to the ideology. His mother, Maye Musk, once noted that openly opposing apartheid at the time could lead to imprisonment, suggesting the family faced challenges rather than endorsing the system. Musk’s lawsuit argues that Behar’s statements ignored historical facts and were designed to mislead the audience.

The case has sparked widespread debate. Supporters of Musk, especially on X (formerly Twitter), have condemned Behar’s remarks, calling them “reckless” and advocating for greater media accountability. Others argue the lawsuit is an attempt to stifle free speech, with some pointing out that Behar’s comments were opinion rather than factual assertions. Legal analysts suggest the case will likely revolve around whether her remarks are protected speech or legally defamatory.

For Behar and The View, the lawsuit presents a significant challenge. The 82-year-old comedian is known for her outspoken style and has faced controversy before, but a legal battle against one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is unprecedented. ABC has yet to issue an official statement, though sources indicate the network is preparing a strong defense. If Musk prevails, the ruling could set a legal precedent affecting how public figures are discussed in the media.