Ahead of wider release, TikTok bans account promoting Alex Gibney’s Musk documentary
Account faces permanent suspension
TikTok shut down the social media account promoting Alex Gibney’s documentary about Elon Musk just ahead of its wider release. The Hollywood Reporter reported that distributor Bleecker Street was informed Friday afternoon that a “permanent suspension” was imminent.
Ad dispute with platforms
Last month, YouTube, Meta, X, and TikTok faced backlash after rejecting advertisements for the film. YouTube and Google reversed course quickly, calling their decision an “error.” TikTok and X have not changed their positions, and neither platform has permitted paid ads for the documentary.
Ellison appears in film
TikTok has no official affiliation with Musk. Larry Ellison, a part owner of TikTok, appears in the film through a text message offering to help Musk finance his Twitter purchase. The account’s removal came after it urged people to see the film “before it gets shut down.”
Key points
- TikTok banned the documentary’s promotional account ahead of the film’s wider release.
- Bleecker Street was told a permanent suspension was imminent, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- TikTok and X have rejected paid ads for the film; YouTube and Google reversed their decisions.
- Larry Ellison appears in the documentary through a text message offering Musk help with his Twitter purchase.