Elon Musk has filed a defamation lawsuit against Joy Behar, co-host of The View, and the show’s producers, seeking $70 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on March 20, 2025, in California, accuses Behar of making false and malicious claims about Musk, specifically calling him “pro-apartheid” and an “enemy of the United States.” These remarks, made during a discussion on Musk’s relationship with President Donald Trump, led Musk’s legal team to argue that Behar’s statements were damaging and intended to smear his reputation. Musk’s legal filing highlights the impact these claims had on his personal and professional life, especially given the large audience of The View.

Musk, born in South Africa during apartheid, has never publicly endorsed the system of racial segregation, and his legal team argues that Behar’s comments were reckless and lacked factual basis. While Behar later backtracked, admitting she wasn’t sure if Musk supported apartheid, the lawsuit claims her initial remarks were damaging enough to warrant significant compensation. The case has sparked widespread reactions, with Musk’s supporters calling for media accountability, while others argue the lawsuit threatens free expression. The outcome of this case could set a major precedent for defamation law and the limits of on-air commentary.