Cards Against Humanity Sues SpaceX Over Land Dispute in South Texas
In a surprising twist, the game company Cards Against Humanity has filed a lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk and his aerospace company, SpaceX, claiming they illegally trespassed on its land in South Texas. The lawsuit has garnered attention and raises questions about property rights and corporate ethics in the area where SpaceX continues to expand its operations.
The Claims Against SpaceX
The lawsuit, filed in Cameron County, accuses SpaceX of treating the property owned by Cards Against Humanity as if it were their own. According to the court documents, SpaceX has used the land for at least the past six months without consent and has allegedly caused damage by using it as a construction staging site. Cards Against Humanity is seeking $15 million in damages, citing the destruction of natural vegetation and a significant alteration of the land’s landscape.
“Notwithstanding the fact that CAH owns the Property and SpaceX has no interest therein nor any right to its use, SpaceX has ignored CAH’s rights,” the lawsuit states. The company describes the land, once considered “pristine” and filled with wild grasses and cacti, as being disrupted by the presence of machinery and construction materials that have been left behind.
A Brief History of the Land
Cards Against Humanity acquired the property in 2017 through a crowd-funding campaign called CAH Saves America. The campaign raised funds to purchase land aimed at blocking a proposed border wall that was advocated by former President Donald Trump. Over 150,000 contributors paid $15 each to help protect this parcel of land, which is situated just a few miles from SpaceX’s launch facility.
The company’s recent statements indicate that their aim was not only to protect the land but to maintain its natural state. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX’s actions have significantly changed the landscape and displaced the game company from utilizing its property.
The Response from Cards Against Humanity
In remarks on their website regarding the lawsuit, Cards Against Humanity accused Musk of being “an even richer, more racist billionaire” than Trump. They expressed their frustration that their initial efforts to preserve the land were now compromised by another billionaire’s business pursuits. They made clear their intention to protect the land, stating, “150,000 people gave us their hard-earned money, and in exchange we vowed to protect this land from racist billionaires and their dumb vanity projects.”
If the lawsuit is successful, Cards Against Humanity has pledged to distribute the net proceeds among its contributors, up to a maximum of $100 each.
Local Reactions and Concerns
According to reports, residents in South Texas have voiced concerns about SpaceX’s expansion and its impact on local properties. The ongoing development near the launch site has made some community members anxious about their own land and property rights, echoing a sentiment that local ownership is being overlooked in favor of larger corporate interests.
As the legal battle unfolds, it raises broader questions about land use and the ramifications of companies like SpaceX encroaching on private properties. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between corporate operations and community standards in areas where significant investment and development are taking place.
Conclusion
This lawsuit marks a significant moment in the intersection of private ownership, corporate expansion, and legal rights. With a demand for $15 million and the voices of many contributors at stake, the outcome will likely resonate beyond the boundaries of Cameron County. As this case progresses through the courts, all eyes will be on how it impacts both Cards Against Humanity and SpaceX’s future operations in South Texas.
