Cards Against Humanity, the company known for its controversial party game, has initiated legal action against SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The $15 million lawsuit alleges that SpaceX trespassed on land owned by Cards Against Humanity near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
The property in question was acquired by Cards Against Humanity in 2017 as part of a crowdfunding campaign. Approximately 150,000 individuals contributed $15 each to purchase the land, which was described as "pristine" and vacant. The initiative was designed to impede the border wall plans of then-President Donald Trump.
According to the lawsuit filed in Cameron County District Court, SpaceX has been using the property without authorization for at least six months. The company is accused of clearing vegetation, laying gravel, bringing in generators, and using the land for vehicle parking and construction material storage.
The dispute highlights the transformation of this once-quiet coastal area in South Texas due to the development of SpaceX's Starbase industrial complex. Starbase, one of SpaceX's four active launch sites, features a 480-foot rocket launch and catch tower. While the facility has brought over 2,100 jobs to the region, it has also caused concern among some local residents.
Cards Against Humanity claims that the property was previously home to wild horses roaming freely. The lawsuit includes before-and-after photographs showing the land's transformation from a grassy, plant-covered area to a site filled with construction materials and equipment.
The game company also alleges damage to its business relationships due to SpaceX's association with Elon Musk. The lawsuit cites controversies surrounding Musk, including allegations of workplace issues at Tesla and criticized public statements.
"These are just a few examples among many other acts overtly offensive to those who contributed money" to buy the land in 2017.
It's worth noting that Cards Against Humanity itself has a history of provocative actions and controversies. The game, which launched after a crowdfunding campaign in 2010, is marketed as a "party game for horrible people" and often generates intentionally off-color phrases. The company has engaged in various stunts, including funding political pranks through its super PAC, the Nuisance Committee.
While Cards Against Humanity positions itself as standing against injustice in this lawsuit, the company has faced its own accusations of racism and sexism from workers. These allegations led to internal changes, including the removal of certain controversial cards from the game deck.
As of the time of reporting, SpaceX has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.