Elon Musk has sparked controversy after sharing the full version of Armie Hammer’s latest film Citizen Vigilante
Elon Musk has sparked controversy after sharing the full version of Armie Hammer’s latest film Citizen Vigilante onThe film was available on Musk’s account for approximately 48 hours before it was removed. It was also posted by its writer and director, German director Uwe Boll, and has since been re-uploaded by other X users.Citizen Vigilante was released in the United States on June 19. It stars Hammer as Sanders, a wealthy American living in Croatia who becomes a fearsome vigilante who targets violent criminals, rapists, and corrupt judges. As his campaign gains attention online, he becomes a wanted man and an unlikely public hero.The film was rejected for age rating in Germany because organizers believed that its violent content and anti-immigrant themes could encourage violence against immigrants. The Telegraph reported that the film was banned in the country due to its depiction of extreme violence and its anti-immigrant message.The story follows Hammer’s character on a violent mission across Europe to eliminate criminal immigrants. The cast also includes Costas Mandylor, Desiree Giorgetti, Stephen Menikis, Neb Chubin, and Mukit Abdul Hamid.
The film rose to the Apple TV listings after Musk’s participation. In response to a post showing Citizen Vigilante had reached second place on Apple TV, Musk wrote: “Citizen Vigilante 2 will be better.”Paul also announced on X that a sequel to Citizen Vigilante 2 is scheduled for release in 2027The film marks one of Hammer’s first leading roles since his Hollywood career was halted in 2021 following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Hammer denied the accusations, and after a lengthy investigation, Los Angeles prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against him in 2023.Speaking previously with The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer described landing the role as an emotional moment.“I’m sure I cried,” he said. “It was this moment where I was like, ‘I’m going to do the thing that I love more than anything other than my kids. I was going to do a cat food commercial.’
“I just wanted to work again.”Reflecting on the allegations and the damage to his career, Hammer added: “I created these problems myself. This didn’t happen to me by accident. I didn’t do what people say I did. But I brought very dangerous, unsafe people into my life, and I pissed off the people in my life and here we are.”The film also received harsh critical response. In its review, Variety called Citizen Vigilante a “violent, incoherent, morally bankrupt exploitation slice” and said Hammer’s attempt at a comeback “can only be harmed by this project.”