In brief
SpaceX has reached a settlement with Cards Against Humanity, which accused the rocket company of damaging its property in Texas by using it for construction without permission. The agreement was made just weeks before a jury trial was set to begin. Cards Against Humanity highlighted the removal of SpaceX's construction equipment as a positive outcome and noted that they are seeking to restore the land to its natural state.
SpaceX has settled a lawsuit filed by the maker of the popular party game Cards Against Humanity over accusations that Elon Musk’s rocket company trespassed and damaged a plot of land the card company owns in Texas.
Texas court records show a settlement was reached in the case last month, just weeks before a jury trial was scheduled to begin on Nov. 3. The card maker said in a statement Monday that it could not disclose the terms, and SpaceX did not return email and telephone messages left with the company and its Texas lawyer seeking comment.
Cards Against Humanity, which is headquartered in Chicago, originally purchased the plot of land in 2017 as part of what it said was a stunt to oppose President Donald Trump’s efforts to build a border wall.
In its lawsuit, Cards Against Humanity alleges SpaceX essentially treated the game company’s property — located in Cameron County in far south Texas — as its own for at least six months.
The lawsuit claimed SpaceX, which had previously acquired other plots of land near the property, had placed construction materials, such as gravel, and other debris on the land without permission.
During the discovery phase of the case, Cards Against Humanity stated that SpaceX admitted to trespassing on its property. The trial could have become costly for Cards Against Humanity, leading the company to settle.
“The upside is that SpaceX has removed their construction equipment from our land and we’re able to work with a local landscaping company to restore the land to its natural state: devoid of space garbage and pointless border walls,” said the company.
The land was purchased by approximately 150,000 people who each contributed $15, and Cards Against Humanity initially sought $15 million in damages due to a loss of vegetation.
Ultimately, although they were hopeful to reimburse their fans, they warned donors that they would 'probably only be able to get like $2 or most likely nothing'.”
