On March 19, 2025, Star Jones sparked a firestorm after calling billionaire Elon Musk “stupid” during a live broadcast of her talk show, Star Speaks. Her scathing critique led to a swift and unprecedented $20 million fine, causing a major controversy in the entertainment industry.
The fine came from a breach of a contractual clause prohibiting defamatory statements against high-profile figures. It’s believed that Musk, known for his legal aggression, played a role in pressuring the network, which has suspended Jones’ show indefinitely. While some fans defend Jones, others criticize her outburst, with advertisers pulling support.