CNN Appearance Sparks Legal Threat From Musk Over Bowman’s Attacks

A Friday night post from Elon Musk hinted at upcoming legal action after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) made controversial claims about him during a CNN broadcast. Musk wrote on X, “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” referencing Bowman’s televised remarks that included calling Musk a “Nazi” and a “thief.”

Bowman, who represented parts of the Bronx and Westchester County before losing his primary last year, used the CNN panel to argue that Musk had failed in his role as a government adviser. He tied Musk to large-scale layoffs and referenced court decisions that required workers to be reinstated.

His criticism included a claim that Musk lacked competence and public trust. He closed the segment with the harsh labels that triggered Musk’s online response and prompted calls for a defamation case.

Bowman has faced backlash before. In 2023, he was censured for setting off a fire alarm in a Capitol building while lawmakers negotiated over federal funding. Bowman later admitted guilt, paid a $1,000 fine and wrote an apology letter to Capitol Police.

Musk’s potential case would have to meet the high legal bar required in defamation suits involving public figures. That includes proving that the comments were not just false but made with actual malice.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) joined journalist Andy Ngo and others in encouraging Musk to pursue legal action. Ngo emphasized that televised claims suggesting criminal behavior could pose legal risks for the network if left unchecked.

CNN’s host, Abby Phillips, offered a short disclaimer during the discussion, clarifying that Bowman’s words were his own. She did not directly challenge his accusations against Musk.
Bowman now leads a political action committee called Built to Win, which he launched after leaving Congress.

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