In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, iconic actor Richard Gere has reportedly fled the United States, vowing never to set foot on American soil again. The Pretty Woman star, now 75, has packed up his life and relocated to Spain with his family, pointing the finger squarely at tech billionaire Elon Musk as the catalyst for his dramatic exit. Gere’s departure, announced in late 2024 and solidified in early 2025, marks a stunning rejection of the country he once called home—and the world is buzzing with the fallout.
Gere’s decision comes amid growing discontent with America’s social and political landscape, a sentiment he’s voiced publicly in recent years. Sources close to the actor reveal that Musk, the polarizing CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, became the tipping point. Gere has long criticized the unchecked influence of tech moguls, but Musk’s rising prominence—particularly his role in shaping public discourse via X and his ties to controversial political figures—appears to have pushed Gere over the edge. “Elon Musk is turning America into something unrecognizable,” Gere allegedly told confidants, lamenting what he sees as a toxic blend of money, power, and narcissism eroding societal values.
The breaking point, insiders say, came after Musk’s provocative statements at a public event earlier this year. While the exact words remain debated, they were described as dismissive of Hollywood’s cultural relevance—eight stinging syllables that reportedly struck Gere as the final straw. For an actor who’s spent decades advocating for human rights and environmental causes, Musk’s brash influence and SpaceX’s environmental footprint clashed irreconcilably with Gere’s principles. “I can’t breathe the same air as that man,” Gere is said to have declared, packing his bags for Madrid, where his wife, Alejandra Silva, hails from.
Spain, with its slower pace and rich culture, offers 
Gere a refuge from what he calls America’s “dark times.” In a rare interview with Elle España in January 2025, he gushed, “We’re happier than ever,” signaling a permanent shift. The move isn’t just personal—it’s a statement. At the Goya Awards in February, Gere lambasted the “marriage of money and power” in the U.S., singling out “millionaire clowns” like Musk as a global threat. Fans see it as a bold stand; critics call it a privileged escape.
Musk, predictably, shrugged off the drama. “Gere’s welcome to his siestas,” he quipped on X, unfazed by the actor’s exodus. Meanwhile, Hollywood reels from losing one of its stalwarts, and the Swifties—still buzzing from their own Musk feud—cheer Gere’s defiance. As he settles into Spanish life, vowing never to return, Gere leaves behind a legacy—and a warning about a nation he believes has lost its way, with Elon Musk at the helm of its unraveling.
