ZDF Pulls Controversial Intro After Elon Musk Lawsuit

German public broadcaster ZDF removed a segment of a television report that claimed tech billionaire Elon Musk had called for migrants to be hunted in Northern Ireland, after Musk said legal action would be taken against the broadcast.

The disputed passage was included in a version of ZDFheute Live that examined the knife‑attack in Belfast and the ensuing unrest. The reporter described the situation as “a brutal attempted murder on a public street in Belfast. Someone takes a video that goes viral. Following that, a racist mob is hunting migrants. The call for that came from a British right‑wing extremist and tech billionaire Elon Musk.”

ZDF later admitted the wording was “misleading” and issued a correction. A spokesperson said the broadcaster had “removed the passage and added a corrective transparency notice” after Musk, through a German law firm, requested a cease‑and‑desist. The portion of the introduction was subsequently deleted from the broadcast.

The controversy follows violent incidents in Belfast, including a knife‑attack that left a victim seriously wounded and prompted arson by a mob. Police arrested a Sudanese man at the scene on a charge of attempted murder, and the event received extensive international attention.

Musk’s claim about the “hunting” comment was traced back to a post by far‑right activist Tommy Robinson, who shared a statement on X on 9 June. Musk quoted the post, emphasizing the need for “repeatedly and loudly” protesting to effect change. Critics argue that Musk’s amplifying of such messages fuels anti‑migrant narratives.

The Centre for Countering Digital Hate has identified social media as a significant factor in the Belfast violence, arguing that Musk has amplified anti‑migrant rhetoric. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Musk of “whipping up division” in other incidents.

For more context on the Belfast unrest and the wider implications of Musk’s social‑media influence, read What we know about the Belfast attack and disorder.

Key points:

• ZDF removed a misleading segment after Musk’s legal threat.


• The paragraph linked Musk to a call for migrant hunts in Belfast.


• Musk’s post is connected to a far‑right activist’s statements.


• Social media’s role in stoking Belfast violence is under scrutiny.


• German broadcaster added a transparency notice and apology.