TikTok has permanently suspended the advertising account for “Musk,” an investigative documentary critical of Elon Musk, prompting concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression. The American branch of the social media platform took the action amid the film’s promotional campaign, which coincided with its release in over 470 cinemas across North America.

Bleecker Street, the film’s distributor, was informed on Friday of the permanent suspension of its advertising account, rendering it unable to run paid promotions on the platform. The distributor has announced it is appealing the decision. Even with a potential reversal, the ban resulted in the loss of crucial advertising opportunities during the documentary’s opening weekend in multiple U.S. cities.

“Musk,” directed by Alex Gibney, provides an extensive look at the Tesla founder’s rise from the dotcom era to becoming the world’s wealthiest individual. The nearly four-hour film also explores Musk’s involvement as a major donor in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Gibney, known for his investigative works on figures including Vladimir Putin, noted that many potential contributors to the documentary were reluctant to participate due to fears about possible repercussions. Musk responded to the film by dismissing Gibney as a “bitter old man” who was intent on producing “the most convincingly terrible hit piece” about him.

This advertising suspension coincided with the temporary removal of the main Instagram account for the No Kings coalition, a group organizing large-scale anti-Trump protests in the United States. Both TikTok and Bleecker Street declined to comment on the account suspensions.