Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, did not appear for a voluntary interview in Paris on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation into his social media platform and its AI chatbot, Grok. The probe, launched in January 2025, initially focused on allegations that X’s algorithm interfered in French politics but was later expanded to include concerns over Grok’s dissemination of sexually explicit deepfakes, including images of women and children. The investigation also covers allegations of Holocaust denialism and complicity in possessing child sexual abuse material.
French prosecutors did not mention Musk’s absence while noting the lack of attendance by those summoned. The interviews, which are voluntary, are scheduled to continue throughout the week for current and former X employees. It remains unclear whether Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of X, also skipped the interview. Musk has previously dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and criticized French prosecutors.
The probe was widened after new evidence emerged in November 2025, including claims that Grok was used to create non-consensual sexual deepfakes. French authorities also suspect that the controversy around Grok’s deepfakes was orchestrated to boost the value of Musk-owned companies ahead of a market listing. The U.S. Justice Department reportedly refused to assist French investigators, accusing them of misusing the U.S. justice system. Musk welcomed the report, posting on X that the situation 'needs to stop.'
The investigation follows a raid on X’s French offices in February and comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of the platform in the UK, EU, and other regions. Prosecutors have stated that the investigation is part of a constructive approach to ensure X complies with French law.