The Instagram comments were a brief exchange in August 2017: Elon Musk addressed reports that he and Amber Heard had split, saying they remained friends and close. Alex Gibney’s later documentary Musk is a separate, much broader project built partly around personal accounts from people in Musk’s life. Those accounts include contested allegations, not a single settled version of events.
What Elon Musk wrote on Amber Heard’s Instagram
On August 7, 2017, after reports that he and Heard had broken up, Musk commented on one of her Instagram posts. He first wrote “V cute,” followed by a heart emoji. He then addressed the breakup reports directly. Entertainment Tonight reproduced his comment:
“Btw, just to clear up some of the press storm this weekend, although Amber and I did break up, we are still friends, remain close and love one another. Long distance relationship when both partners have intense work obligations are always difficult, but who knows what the future holds.”
That was a public statement about the reported breakup at the time. It is distinct from the later claims and recollections discussed in Gibney’s documentary; the Instagram exchange itself does not establish anything about those later accounts.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Factory sealed DVD
What Alex Gibney’s Musk documentary covers
Gibney’s nearly four-hour documentary includes interviews with Musk’s first wife, Justine Wilson, and Ashley St. Clair, among others. WIRED’s coverage describes Wilson recounting painful aspects of her marriage and family history, and St. Clair discussing her relationship with Musk and a custody dispute. Wilson characterized her experience by saying, “I learned the term gaslighting through my relationship with Elon.” That is her account of the relationship, not a court finding or an independently established description of every private event.
The film also addresses Musk’s takeover of X, changes to its algorithms, political influence and his work with the second Trump administration. The Associated Press account of the Venice Film Festival attributes assessments of those subjects to Gibney and a Wired reporter. They are perspectives presented in the documentary, not conclusions that should be treated as independently proven simply because they appear in the film.
Why the film uses an AI-assisted Musk avatar
Musk did not participate in the documentary, according to the Los Angeles Times interview with Gibney. The film uses a CGI avatar with AI voice syncing to simulate an interview using statements Musk made in previous interviews, the AP reported. Gibney described the device as an intentional contrast between the “reality of what he’s done and unreality of his narrative.” The simulated interview is therefore a filmmaking device, not a new interview with Musk.
The $40 million NDA claim is disputed
At the Venice Film Festival press conference, St. Clair said, “I was offered the opportunity not to speak for $40 million.” She alleged that the amount was offered for a nondisclosure agreement. Variety reported Musk’s denial that she was offered an NDA. The offer should be described as a disputed allegation, not as a verified payment or completed transaction.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
Musk also responded to the documentary publicly, calling it “a hit piece that misses, and makes the fatal sin of being boring for 4 hours,” according to Variety. That is his characterization of the film; it does not resolve the disagreements among the people featured or discussed in it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When and where to watch Musk
WIRED reported that the documentary was scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on October 16, 2026, followed by streaming on HBO Max. As of October 7, 2026, the reported theatrical date was still in the future, and that planned schedule does not confirm that the film is already available to stream. Check current listings for its release and streaming status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




