Elon Musk Summoned to Paris Over X Misconduct and AI Deepfake Probe

Elon Musk has been summoned to Paris for a voluntary interview as part of a French investigation into allegations that the social media platform X facilitated the spread of child sexual abuse material and sexually explicit deepfake content generated by its AI system Grok. The summons, issued by the Paris prosecutor’s office, also extends to Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of X, and other platform employees who may be heard as witnesses later in the week. Investigators are examining whether X and its AI tools were used in an organized effort to distribute illegal content, including Holocaust denial material and nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes, potentially in violation of French law.

Investigation Origins and Scope

The probe began in January 2025 after a French lawmaker reported concerns about biased algorithms on X distorting automated data processing. It expanded following discoveries that Grok, xAI’s chatbot integrated into X, had generated Holocaust-denying content and sexually explicit deepfakes in response to user prompts. French authorities allege that these outputs were not merely errors but part of a broader pattern involving complicity in possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, nonconsensual deepfakes, denial of crimes against humanity, and manipulation of data systems as part of an organized group.

In February 2025, French cybercrime investigators executed a search at X’s Paris premises, seizing devices and data as part of the ongoing inquiry. Musk and Yaccarino were summoned in their roles as former and current leaders of X during the period under investigation. Yaccarino served as CEO from May 2023 until July 2025. Prosecutors stated the interviews aim to allow executives to present their position and outline any compliance measures they plan to implement, emphasizing a constructive approach to ensure X adheres to French law while operating in the country.

Allegations of Market Manipulation via Deepfake Controversy

French prosecutors have raised concerns that the controversy surrounding Grok’s generation of sexually explicit deepfakes may have been deliberately amplified to inflate the valuation of Musk-owned companies ahead of a planned June 2026 stock market listing. They allege the timing — when X was reportedly losing user momentum — suggests a possible scheme to boost investor interest through artificial engagement driven by provocative AI outputs. In March 2025, the Paris prosecutor’s office formally alerted the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), suggesting the deepfake scandal could constitute criminal offenses related to market manipulation.

U.S. Authorities Decline to Assist French Investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice declined to cooperate with French investigators, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. In a two-page letter, the DOJ’s Office of International Affairs accused France of inappropriately using its legal system to interfere with an American business, characterizing the request as an attempt to entangle the U.S. In a politically motivated prosecution targeting a social media platform. The letter argued that French demands for U.S. Assistance constitute an effort to regulate American business activities through foreign judicial channels. French judicial authorities did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Broader Context of Platform Accountability in France

The investigation into X is part of a wider pattern of scrutiny by French authorities on internet platforms suspected of enabling illegal activities. In recent years, the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit has pursued cases against Coco, a French-language site linked to child sexual abuse material, and Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who faces preliminary charges over alleged facilitation of criminal networks on his platform. TikTok is also under investigation for allegedly promoting suicide-related content through its algorithms. Reporters Without Borders has filed a complaint against X over its handling of disinformation, adding to the mounting legal and regulatory pressure on the platform in Europe.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story. As of now, it remains unclear whether Musk or Yaccarino will appear in Paris for their scheduled interviews. A spokesperson for X did not respond to inquiries, and Yaccarino’s current employer, eMed, did not reply to a request for comment.