In a stunning turn of events, sources close to Elon Musk’s legal team claim that the billionaire is quietly preparing a defamation lawsuit against actor Robert De Niro, following the latter’s public criticism.
De Niro, who recently called Musk “unworthy of the public’s trust,” has reportedly triggered an aggressive legal response from Musk’s camp, with Tesla and SpaceX now gearing up to take action.
The feud, which has caught the attention of both Hollywood and Silicon Valley, could become one of the most high-profile celebrity legal battles in recent years.
Musk’s legal advisors are said to be exploring every possible avenue to shield his reputation and silence further public attacks from De Niro and his allies, including TV personality Joy Behar, who has also made controversial statements about the tech mogul.
The conflict began when De Niro, during a public interview, made a pointed remark about Musk, saying: “He is not worthy of the public’s trust.” The actor, known for his outspoken political opinions and strong moral stance, was likely referring to Musk’s various business moves, including his acquisitions and statements surrounding social media, his approach to AI, and his leadership style at Tesla and SpaceX.
The comments were widely covered by the media, sparking backlash from Musk’s supporters, many of whom viewed the actor’s statements as an unfair personal attack on Musk’s character and business ventures. According to sources, this was the moment Musk’s legal team began evaluating the possibility of a lawsuit.
According to internal sources within Musk’s legal and PR teams, Tesla and SpaceX have been in “active discussions” about moving forward with a defamation suit. A defamation claim, as experts suggest, would be based on Musk’s argument that De Niro’s public statements damaged his personal and professional reputation by spreading false or misleading information.
“It’s not just about the words,” one legal insider explained. “This is about Musk’s image, which has been built on a very specific foundation—trust in his vision, his business acumen, and his reputation as a fearless leader. These attacks, in their eyes, undermine that foundation and warrant legal action.”
While defamation suits can be difficult to prove, especially when the comments fall under public opinion or free speech, Musk’s legal team is reportedly prepared to argue that De Niro’s statements were not merely opinions, but damaging falsehoods.
In addition to the planned lawsuit, sources suggest that Musk’s legal team has been tasked with investigating ways to prevent further attacks on his reputation from De Niro, Behar, and others.
There is speculation that Musk’s legal advisors are looking into potential injunctions or other legal mechanisms to stop De Niro or Behar from making additional defamatory statements.
“Musk is looking for ways to not just win a lawsuit, but to send a message,” said a former SpaceX lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It’s about controlling the narrative. If Musk can legally limit further attacks, he might prevent this from escalating into a PR nightmare.”
This strategy would be unprecedented in celebrity-defamation cases, where the goal is often not only financial damages but also silencing the opposing party through legal means.
The situation intensified when television personality Joy Behar, a frequent critic of Musk, also made negative comments about the billionaire. Behar, best known for her role on The View, has been a vocal critic of Musk’s leadership at Tesla, his controversial statements on social media, and his various business practices.
Though Behar’s remarks were less direct than De Niro’s, her repeated criticism of Musk has become a major point of contention for Musk’s legal team. Some insiders speculate that Musk may seek to include Behar in the defamation lawsuit, although this is yet to be confirmed.
“The timing of the statements from both De Niro and Behar seems more than coincidental,” said a PR expert familiar with Musk’s brand strategy. “They’re playing into the media cycle and continuing a narrative that could hurt his image. If Musk’s team succeeds in targeting one, it could send a strong message to the other.”
Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy. From the infamous “funding secured” tweet that led to a lawsuit with the SEC to his on-again, off-again relationship with social media platforms, Musk’s personal and professional life has often been in the public eye. Yet, despite his reputation for pushing boundaries, this legal confrontation with De Niro may carry significant stakes.
The tech mogul’s personal brand, which is closely tied to Tesla and SpaceX, relies heavily on public trust. Musk’s unconventional approach to business—while groundbreaking—has also made him a polarizing figure.
For Musk, defending his reputation is not just about protecting his public persona but ensuring the continued success of his companies. As Tesla continues to lead the electric vehicle market and SpaceX to dominate private space travel, any perceived erosion of trust could have ripple effects on his business ventures.
As Musk’s legal team prepares for what could be a lengthy and public legal battle, it’s clear that the stakes are high—not only for Musk’s personal reputation but also for the companies he leads. If the lawsuit proceeds, the case could set a significant precedent for public figures in tech and entertainment, especially regarding the limits of free speech and the legal implications of defamation.
While the outcome of such a high-profile case remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Elon Musk is not backing down. Whether the lawsuit succeeds or not, it will send a message to critics and the public alike that Musk is willing to fight for his name—and his companies—at any cost.
In the coming weeks, expect more details to emerge as the legal drama unfolds, potentially leading to a confrontation that could shift the dynamics of celebrity and corporate accountability for years to come.
