Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Sept. 25, 2020, in Los Angeles (zz/Wil R/STAR MAX/IPx)
Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), had some choice words for advertisers during a recent interview at The New York Times DealBook Summit. Musk’s comments came in response to the mass exodus of advertisers from X following his endorsement of an antisemitic post on the platform.
Musk did not mince words, saying, “Go f**k yourself” to advertisers who might attempt to use advertising as leverage against him. He made it clear that he was unapologetic about his stance, Global News reported.
“Don’t advertise. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f–k yourself,” Musk said.
“Go f–k yourself, is that clear? Hey Bob, if you’re in the audience. That’s how I feel, don’t advertise,” he continued, speaking to Disney CEO Bob Iger, who spoke earlier at the summit.
The controversy began when Musk agreed with a user on X who falsely claimed that Jewish people were fomenting hatred against white people. This led to widespread condemnation, including from the White House, and prompted several major companies, including Disney, Apple, and IBM, to pause their advertising on X.
During the interview, Musk publicly apologized for the post, calling it “one of the most foolish things” he had ever shared online. However, he remained firm in his stance position on advertisers using their financial influence as a bargaining tool.
“I’m sorry for that tweet or post,” he said.
Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, responded to Musk’s comments, emphasizing that X is a platform that allows users to make their own decisions. She highlighted the platform’s commitment to free speech and its powerful community while thanking partners who support their work.
“And here’s my perspective when it comes to advertising: X is standing at a unique and amazing intersection of Free Speech and Main Street — and the X community is powerful and is here to welcome you. To our partners who believe in our meaningful work – Thank You.”
Musk also acknowledged that an extended boycott by advertisers could potentially bankrupt X. The situation has put X in a precarious position, potentially leading to a loss of up to $75 million in advertising revenue by the end of the year, The New York Times reported.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Sept. 25, 2020, in Los Angeles (zz/Wil R/STAR MAX/IPx)
