Elon Musk Launches $70 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Joy Behar and ‘The View’

Los Angeles, CA — A fierce legal battle is brewing between tech magnate Elon Musk and daytime television star Joy Behar. On March 20, 2025, Musk filed a defamation lawsuit against Behar and the producers of ABC’s “The View,” seeking a staggering $70 million in damages. The lawsuit, submitted to a California court, accuses Behar and the show of spreading “false and defamatory” statements that Musk claims severely harmed his reputation and jeopardized his business interests.

The controversy centers on comments Behar made during a live broadcast of “The View,” where she described Musk as “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States” during a spirited conversation about his political influence and connections with former President Donald Trump. Referencing Musk’s South African roots, Behar suggested that growing up under apartheid had negatively shaped his worldview. “He was born under apartheid in South Africa, so he has that mentality going on—he was pro-apartheid, as I understand it,” Behar asserted during the segment.

Musk’s legal team swiftly responded, asserting that Behar’s comments were not only factually incorrect but also delivered with “malicious intent” to damage his public standing. The lawsuit notes that although Behar later offered a half-hearted retraction — admitting on air, “I don’t really know for sure if he was,” and joking, “So don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?” — the damage had already been done.

According to Musk’s attorneys, Behar’s platform, reaching millions of viewers daily, magnified the harm caused by her remarks. “This was not a slip of the tongue,” the lawsuit states. “It was a deliberate, reckless attack aimed at discrediting one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.” Musk’s team argues that the allegations threatened the reputations of his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp, potentially impacting their operations and shareholder confidence.

Musk, now 53, was indeed born in Pretoria, South Africa, during the apartheid regime. However, he left for Canada at age 17 and eventually became a U.S. citizen. His family has consistently rejected any association with apartheid policies. Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, previously emphasized the risks of opposing apartheid in South Africa, suggesting that their family faced complex societal pressures rather than aligning with the regime.

The lawsuit highlights this context, accusing Behar and “The View” of grossly misrepresenting Musk’s background for dramatic effect. “They fabricated a damaging narrative,” the filing contends, “ignoring historical facts to portray Mr. Musk as a villain for the sake of entertainment.”

The legal action has sparked a wave of debate both online and across news outlets. Musk’s supporters, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), have rallied behind him, arguing that high-profile figures like Behar must be held accountable for irresponsible remarks. Hashtags such as #StandWithElon and #MediaAccountability trended within hours of the lawsuit’s announcement.

On the other hand, critics argue that Musk is attempting to stifle free speech and public commentary. “Behar expressed an opinion during a live discussion,” one critic tweeted. “If billionaires start suing every time they don’t like what’s said about them, where does it end?”

Legal analysts say the case may hinge on a fine distinction: whether Behar’s statements were presented as verifiable facts or as opinions protected under the First Amendment. “Defamation law in the United States is complex,” said media law expert Rachel Mendez. “Public figures like Musk must prove not just that a statement was false, but that it was made with actual malice — that is, with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.”

For Behar, 82, who has spent decades crafting a career around candid and often provocative commentary, the lawsuit presents a serious challenge. ABC has yet to issue an official response, but insiders suggest that the network is standing by its host, at least for now. Behind the scenes, ABC’s legal team is reportedly preparing an aggressive defense that may involve emphasizing Behar’s quick retraction and framing her original comments as hyperbolic opinion rather than factual claims.

Should Musk prevail, the consequences could ripple far beyond “The View.” Media organizations and talk show hosts across the country are watching the case closely, fearing that a verdict in Musk’s favor could set a precedent that curbs on-air commentary about powerful individuals.

Musk’s decision to pursue such a public legal fight is consistent with his history of challenging critics. He has previously engaged in litigation against journalists, regulatory agencies, and even former employees. In many ways, this latest lawsuit reflects Musk’s broader battle against what he perceives as unfair media narratives and misinformation.

“I will not sit back while they lie about me,” Musk reportedly said in private conversations, according to the lawsuit. His aggressive stance underscores his belief that his personal brand — intricately tied to the fortunes of his companies — must be defended at all costs.

As proceedings move forward, the legal drama promises to captivate audiences, blending elements of celebrity, politics, media ethics, and the ever-evolving debate over free speech in the digital age. Court hearings are expected to commence within weeks, with both sides gearing up for what could become one of the most closely watched defamation cases in recent memory.

Whether Elon Musk will succeed in his quest for $70 million — and a public vindication — remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the battle lines have been drawn, and neither side shows any sign of backing down.