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Elon Musk is drawing fresh scrutiny for spotlighting a new controversial movie by Armie Hammer on X. The move has fueled concerns that the billionaire is using his platform to advance anti-immigration and hard-right views in Europe.

Musk’s promotion helped the film, titled “Citizen Vigilante,” climb streaming charts and secure wider distribution.

Elon Musk Amplifies Controversial Armie Hammer Film On X

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Elon Musk has come under fire for repeatedly posting about Armie Hammer’s film “Citizen Vigilante” on X, sharing links to the movie with his followers and urging them to watch it.

Musk made the controversial movie free to watch on X for 48 hours, exposing it to his massive following. He also reposted a message describing vigilante killings as a “moderate response” to violent crimes committed by immigrants.

The promotion is the latest example of Musk backing hard-right figures and anti-immigration causes across Europe. He has publicly supported France’s Marine Le Pen and amplified British activists Tommy Robinson and Rupert Lowe.

Musk has also repeatedly voiced support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, describing it as the nation’s “only hope.” The tech billionaire even went as far as hosting party co-leader Alice Weidel for a livestreamed conversation on X ahead of the country’s federal election in 2025.

Elon Musk’s Endorsement Sends Film Up The Charts

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Musk’s endorsement appears to have transformed “Citizen Vigilante” from a simple, niche independent release into a roaring streaming success. After he made the film available on X, it climbed into the Top 10 video-on-demand rankings on Apple TV and Amazon, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Variety Australia also reported that the picture reached No. 2 on Apple’s movie chart following the promotion.

At the same time, reports indicate the increased attention helped the film expand into additional markets after its sudden rise in visibility. Director Boll acknowledged that Musk’s support had dramatically increased awareness of the film, even if it did not immediately translate into direct revenue.

What Is ‘Citizen Vigilante’ About?

“Citizen Vigilante” director Uwe Boll is the German filmmaker also known for action movies and widely panned video game adaptations such as “House of the Dead,” “Alone in the Dark,” and “BloodRayne.” He has returned to directing after stepping away from filmmaking in 2016.

His latest project follows Sanders, an American businessman who loses faith in the justice system and launches a violent campaign against criminals. Hammer plays the self-appointed enforcer, whose actions turn him into a social media celebrity while drawing police attention.

The 89-minute thriller also stars Costas Mandylor and Désirée Giorgetti. It was reportedly made for about $4 million and was initially titled “The Dark Knight.” The film has faced backlash over its depiction of migrants and anti-immigration themes. German authorities reportedly declined to classify it over concerns that it could encourage violence against immigrants.

Critics Accuse Musk Of Amplifying Far-Right Messaging

Musk has often been criticized for seemingly using his influence to amplify far-right messaging, and his promotion of “Citizen Vigilante” has only intensified the scrutiny.

Critics of the billionaire argue he has increasingly elevated anti-immigration narratives and political figures across Europe. As such, the film’s themes are seen as being consistent with his broader online activity.

Political scientist Georgios Samaras believes Musk’s support for “Citizen Vigilante” fits a broader pattern. Speaking to The Guardian, he argued the tech mogul has been on a “crusade to normalize and mainstream far-right ideas and movements.” He added that Musk appears intent on “recasting the political landscape in Europe and beyond” by amplifying anti-immigration rhetoric and nationalist voices.

Armie Hammer’s Hollywood Comeback Continues

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For Hammer, “Citizen Vigilante” marks another step in his return to acting after years away from Hollywood. The actor’s career stalled in 2021 following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has repeatedly denied, and he spent several years largely absent from the industry.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer acknowledged the fallout, saying, “I made these problems for myself.” He also credited Boll for giving him another opportunity, adding that the filmmaker had given him “a second chance.”

Since returning, Hammer has steadily rebuilt his résumé with independent projects including “Frontier Crucible,” “Night Driver,” and now, “Citizen Vigilante.” While major Hollywood studios have yet to embrace his comeback, the string of new roles suggests the actor is gradually finding his way back onto the screen.

The Elon Musk Uses His X Platform To Promote Anti-Immigration Armie Hammer Film first appeared on The Blast