Throughout his fiery and now controversial interview with journalist Andrew Sorkin at The New York Occasions’ annual DealBook Summit, Tesla CEO Elon Musk apologized for a tweet that has triggered a firestorm of antisemitism allegations on-line. He additionally took a hardline stance towards advertisers who’re allegedly “blackmailing” him for promoting income on X.
Musk, who is not any stranger to controversy, had endorsed a submit on X that said that Jewish communities have been pushing out “hatred towards whites.” Musk’s response to the tweet learn, “You’ve gotten stated the precise fact,” a remark that triggered an exodus of advertisers from X. Throughout his interview with the NYT, Musk apologized for the submit, noting that it was in all probability the “worst” and dumbest” that he’s posted so far.
“I’m sorry for that submit. It was silly of me. Of my 30,000 posts, it’d actually be the worst and dumbest submit I’ve ever completed. I feel over time it’ll be apparent that I’m removed from anti-semitic,” Musk stated. He additionally admitted that the submit primarily handed a “loaded gun” to each antisemitic individuals and his detractors.
The truth that Musk dubbed the submit his worst so far says quite a bit, particularly contemplating that he ended up being sued by the USA Securities and Alternate Fee (SEC) over his “funding secured” tweet in 2018, and he virtually bought half the globe offended after he dubbed a caver who performed a component within the rescue of Thai boys who have been caught in a collapse 2018 a “pedo man” on Twitter.
For sure, Musk has posted a lot of regrettable posts on X through the years, so the truth that he apologized and dubbed his submit about Jewish communities as his “dumbest” speaks volumes. That being stated, Musk additionally shared some fiery phrases about advertisers which can be allegedly “blackmailing” X. In a remark that evidently surprised Sorkin, Musk said that advertisers who’re boycotting X over his alleged antisemitism shouldn’t come again.
“If anyone’s gonna attempt to blackmail me with promoting, blackmail me with cash? Go f**okay your self. Go. F**okay. Your self. Is that clear? I hope it’s. Hey, Bob, in case you’re within the viewers,” Musk stated, seemingly calling out Disney CEO Bob Iger. Disney is among the many corporations which have pulled their promoting on X following Musk’s controversial posts.
As we speak @elonmusk gave a large ranging and candid interview at @dealbook 2023. He additionally provided an apology, a proof and an specific viewpoint about our place. X is enabling an data independence that is uncomfortable for some individuals. We’re a platform that enables… https://t.co/PSmSKRkJSq
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) November 30, 2023
Whereas Musk’s feedback have triggered yet one more wave of controversy surrounding X, the social media platform’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, who has been dubbed by critics from the media as a “ache sponge” of kinds, offered some level-headed commentary on the Tesla CEO’s feedback.
“As we speak, Elon Musk gave a wide-ranging and candid interview at DealBook 2023. He additionally provided an apology, a proof, and an specific viewpoint about our place. X is enabling an data independence that’s uncomfortable for some individuals. We’re a platform that enables individuals to make their very own choices. And right here’s my perspective on the subject of promoting: X is standing at a singular and superb intersection of Free Speech and Predominant Road — and the X group is highly effective and is right here to welcome you. To our companions who imagine in our significant work — Thank You,” Yaccarino wrote in a submit on X.
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