TikTok has shut down the promotional account for Alex Gibney's documentary about Elon Musk, the company confirmed through the removal itself. The takedown affects the film's outreach on the platform and marks a significant escalation in the relationship between TikTok and content tied to Musk.
TikTok has no official affiliation with Musk. However, Larry Ellison, who is a part owner of TikTok, appears in the film through a text message in which he offers to help Musk fund his purchase of Twitter. That connection places an owner of the platform inside the documentary's narrative even as the platform moved to remove the film's promotional presence.
The account's removal carries a measure of irony. Shortly before TikTok took it down, the account posted a message urging people to see the movie before it gets shut down. The post preceded the ban rather than following it.
The ban on the documentary's account represents a serious escalation rather than a routine moderation action, given that TikTok has no formal relationship with Musk himself. The film is directed by Alex Gibney and centers on Musk, whose acquisition of Twitter is referenced in the source material through Ellison's offer of financial help.
TechManNews will continue to follow developments around the documentary's distribution and any response from TikTok or the filmmakers.
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