Meta and YouTube have agreed to run advertisements for Alex Gibney’s upcoming documentary about Elon Musk after initially rejecting the ads. Earlier reports indicated that several social media platforms, including TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and X, had declined to promote the trailer for the film titled “Musk.”
A Meta spokesperson clarified that the initial rejection was an error and that the ads are being reinstated. YouTube confirmed that while the trailer has always been available on its platform, the ad was temporarily restricted by automated systems but has since been approved following a manual review.
X, owned by Elon Musk, continues to refuse the ads, consistent with Musk’s recent public criticism of the documentary’s director, Alex Gibney. Meta, TikTok, and YouTube had cited restrictions on political content as the reason for the initial rejection. However, the documentary’s U.S. distributor, Bleecker Street, has appealed these decisions.
Alex Gibney, known for documentaries such as “Going Clear” and “The Inventor,” premiered “Musk” at the Venice International Film Festival earlier this month. The nearly four-hour film has received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It explores Musk’s career, political connections, and personal life, featuring interviews with figures including Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk and former influencer Ashley St. Clair.
Despite the positive reception, there are reports that Universal Pictures is reconsidering its international distribution plans due to concerns about potential backlash from the Trump administration. Universal has since confirmed it will release the documentary theatrically but is still finalizing its strategy.
TechCrunch has reached out to TikTok, X, and Bleecker Street for further comment.