Elon Musk Shares Controversial Film Restricted in Germany

Elon Musk has shared a link on X to stream Citizen Vigilante, a new film by German director Uwe Boll that has faced major distribution restrictions in Germany.

The film stars Armie Hammer as a wealthy American living in Croatia who becomes a violent vigilante, targeting criminals, immigrants he believes are responsible for violent crimes, and officials he sees as corrupt. German authorities have not banned the film, but the country's voluntary film ratings board (FSK) declined to give it an age classification.

Without an FSK rating, Citizen Vigilante cannot be widely advertised or shown through most traditional cinemas and distributors in Germany. It can still be sold to adults after age verification and screened to adult-only audiences.

According to its official synopsis, the film follows a businessman whose violent campaign gains widespread attention online, turning him into both a wanted criminal and a public hero.

The movie is Armie Hammer's second feature film since he was accused of rape and other abuse in 2021. Hammer has denied the allegations, and Los Angeles prosecutors said in 2023 they would not file sexual assault charges.

Boll has criticized the FSK's decision, arguing that refusing to classify the film amounts to censorship and violates Germany's constitution. He said he is suing the ratings board over the decision.

Musk's decision to promote the film on X has drawn attention because it gives the movie a global platform despite the restrictions on its promotion in Germany.