Cards Against Humanity Lawsuit Forces SpaceX to Vacate Border Land
▼ Summary
– Cards Against Humanity settled its lawsuit against SpaceX over land trespassing on the US/Mexico border, which it had purchased in 2017 to oppose Trump’s border wall.
– SpaceX admitted to trespassing during the legal discovery phase and removed construction equipment from the property, though specific settlement terms are confidential.
– The company decided to settle because a trial would have been more costly than any potential win, and Texas law likely wouldn’t have allowed recovery of legal fees.
– Instead of monetary compensation, Cards Against Humanity will provide supporters with a new pack of comedic cards about Elon Musk.
– The land will be restored to its natural state, free of construction debris and border walls, as part of the resolution.
Following a year-long legal dispute, the creators of the popular party game Cards Against Humanity have successfully settled their lawsuit against SpaceX, compelling the aerospace company to vacate a contested parcel of land situated along the US-Mexico border. As part of the resolution, the game makers plan to distribute a special new card pack focused on Elon Musk to their dedicated supporters.
The conflict originated in 2017 when Cards Against Humanity purchased the land using funds raised from its community. The purchase was a deliberate effort to obstruct former President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall project. The company later alleged that SpaceX unlawfully occupied the property, placing construction equipment and various materials on the site without permission. This led to a lawsuit filed in September 2024 in a Texas district court, where the game company sought as much as $15 million to cover restoration costs and additional damages.
After extensive negotiations that stretched over many months, the two parties reached a settlement just weeks before the case was scheduled to go before a jury in early November. While the specific financial terms remain confidential due to the agreement, SpaceX did formally admit to trespassing during the legal discovery process. Cards Against Humanity stated that pursuing a full trial, despite this admission, would have been financially impractical. They explained that Texas law would likely have prevented them from recovering their substantial legal fees, and they believed SpaceX was prepared to spend far more on legal representation.
In a characteristically irreverent update to its donors, whom it refers to as “Horrible Friends,” the company announced the outcome. It confirmed that SpaceX had removed all equipment, which it humorously labeled “space garbage”, from the property. However, the message expressed disappointment with the financial outcome of the settlement for its supporters.
Instead of a monetary payout, the company will reward its “best, sexiest customers” with a complimentary mini-pack of exclusive, satirical cards themed around Elon Musk. Supporters can sign up to receive this special edition. The company also provided a final update on the land itself, noting that it will soon be restored to its natural condition, free of both industrial debris and any border wall construction.
(Source: Ars Technica)
