Elon Musk is now facing legal heat over a $1 million-a-day election giveaway, with accusations from voters claiming the scheme was nothing but a calculated deception. In a proposed class action, Jacqueline McAferty, an Arizona resident, filed the complaint against Musk and his America PAC in federal court in Austin, Texas.
The lawsuit alleges that Musk and his organization misled registered voters by promising random giveaways to those who signed a petition supporting constitutional rights like free speech and gun ownership. Instead, McAferty claims that the winners had already been decided in advance, dashing the hopes of those who participated.
Beyond the alleged rigged selection process, McAferty claims that Musk reaped benefits by directing massive attention to X, his social media platform, and collecting valuable personal data, including names, addresses, and phone numbers, which could be monetized.
This lawsuit follows a symbolic decision from a Philadelphia judge who refused to shut down the giveaway, a request made by District Attorney Larry Krasner, who labeled it an illegal lottery. Musk reportedly had no intention of distributing more funds after the U.S. presidential election, rendering the judge’s ruling more theatrical than impactful.
The stakes of this lawsuit could be high, as the demand for damages exceeds $5 million. Meanwhile, Musk, who resides in Texas, has thrown his support behind Republican Donald Trump in the presidential contest against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. The case continues to unfold in the Western District of Texas, with the spotlight firmly on the world’s wealthiest tech magnate and his controversial foray into election influence.
