Elon Musk stirred a row after sharing the full version of Armie Hammer's latest film Citizen Vigilante on X, giving his more than 240 million followers free access to a movie that was banned in Germany over concerns it could incite violence against immigrants.
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The film remained available on Musk's account for around 48 hours before it was removed. It was also posted by its writer and director, German filmmaker Uwe Boll, and has since been re-uploaded by other X users.
Citizen Vigilante was released in the US on June 19. It stars Hammer as Sanders, a wealthy American living in Croatia who becomes a feared vigilante targeting violent criminals, rapists and corrupt judges. As his campaign gains attention online, he becomes both a wanted man and an unlikely public hero.
The film was refused an age rating in Germany because regulators believed its violent content and anti-immigrant themes could encourage violence against migrants. The Telegraph reported that the film was banned in the country over its depiction of extreme violence and its anti-migrant message.
The story follows Hammer's character on a violent mission across Europe to eliminate criminal migrants. The cast also includes Costas Mandylor, Désirée Giorgetti, Steffen Mennekes, Neb Chupin and Mukit Abdul Hamid.
