‘Censored in Germany’: Elon Musk sparks row after posting banned ‘anti-immigrant’ film on X

Elon Musk stirred a row after sharing the full version of Armie Hammer’s latest film Citizen Vigilante

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.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.The film climbed the Apple TV charts after Musk’s post. Responding to a post showing Citizen Vigilante had reached No. 2 on Apple TV, Musk wrote: “Citizen Vigilante 2 will be even better.”Boll also announced on X that a sequel, Citizen Vigilante 2, is due for release in 2027The film marks one of Hammer’s first leading roles since his Hollywood career stalled in 2021 following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Hammer denied the allegations, and after a lengthy investigation, Los Angeles prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against him in 2023.Speaking previously to The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer described landing the role as an emotional moment.“I’m pretty sure I cried,” he said. “It was just this moment where I was like: I’m going to get to do the thing that I love more than anything other than my children. I would have done a fucking cat food commercial. I just wanted to work again.”Reflecting on the allegations and the damage to his career, Hammer added: “I made these problems for myself. This didn’t happen to me by a fluke accident. I didn’t do what people are saying I did. But I brought very dangerous and unsafe people into my life, and I pissed off people in my life and here we are.”The film has also received a harsh critical response. In its review, Variety described Citizen Vigilante as “a violent, incoherent, morally bankrupt slice of exploitation” and said Hammer’s attempted comeback “can only be harmed by this project.”