A class-action lawsuit claims Elon Musk misled the public with a deceptive $1 million giveaway.
At a Glance
- Jacqueline McAferty filed a lawsuit against Musk and America PAC.
- The lawsuit alleges predetermined winners in the $1 million sweepstakes.
- The promotion allegedly aimed to gather personal data from participants.
- The court allowed the continuation of the giveaway amid proceedings.
Lawsuit Details
Jacqueline McAferty of Arizona filed a class-action lawsuit against Elon Musk and America PAC in a Texas federal court. The court documents claim the $1 million giveaway was fraudulent, with predetermined winners instead of randomly selected ones. McAferty asserts that the initiative, promoted as a nonpartisan event to bolster voter engagement, was actually a calculated ploy. This lawsuit currently hangs in the balance, pending a final decision on the merits of the accusations.
Allegations suggest that the lottery turned into a data collection scheme to benefit Musk’s online platform, X. Participants were required to sign a Constitution-supporting petition to enter, allowing the collection of personal information. Critics argue that this information could be used or sold without limitations, essentially exploiting citizen engagement for corporate gain. Former America PAC treasurer Chris Gober testified that the selection process was not left to chance.
Elon Musk was sued in a proposed class action by registered voters who signed his petition to support the Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway, and now claim it was a fraud https://t.co/mmRfqgUQMo pic.twitter.com/sb7lEexiW0
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) November 5, 2024
Court’s Ruling
A Philadelphia judge allowed the continuation of the $1 million giveaway, despite the questions about the legitimacy of the selection process. This ruling indicated that, for now, the contest falls within legal boundaries pending further court evaluation. During this time, the debate centers on whether this was a fair promotional campaign or a breach of contract with participants.
In questioning the contest’s fairness, the court examines accusations of Elon Musk standing to benefit financially by collecting and potentially misusing voter data. The Justice Department warned of possible legal implications, highlighting the fine line between lawful giveaways and acts contravening election laws. Silence persists from Musk’s representatives regarding these allegations.
Elon Musk was sued in a proposed class action on Tuesday by registered voters who signed his petition to support the Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway, and now claim it was a fraud.
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) November 5, 2024
Allegations of Partisanship
The lawsuit further estranges the PAC, asserting an apparent pattern favoring Republicans or Trump supporters as winners under the guise of a nonpartisan contest. Such claims threaten to not only taint Musk’s reputation but prompt governmental scrutiny in safeguarding the electoral process. The ramifications of this lawsuit could redefine standards for online promotions with electoral implications.
The ruling, while immediate, serves only as a precursor to what may become a prolonged legal battle. Musk’s newest legal challenges contribute to broader discourse on data privacy, fairness, and corporate responsibility in digital platforms.
Sources:
Elon Musk is being sued over his $1 million giveaway to voters — again
Second lawsuit filed against Elon Musk’s $1 million giveway
Musk sued over $1 million election giveaway
