Elon Musk sparked controversy once again due to his remarks on the X platform (formerly Twitter), this time allegedly showing support for anti-Semitism in his comments last Thursday (the 16th), causing an ongoing uproar.
Is Musk Supporting Anti-Semitism?
On the 16th, Musk acknowledged a post on the X platform from a user claiming that Jewish people were deliberately inciting hatred against white people, which led to an increase in anti-Semitic sentiments on X, with more frequent Nazi-related comments.
A White House Spokesperson Responded
Despite Musk denying being anti-Semitic and explaining that his comments were not directed at Jewish people but as organisations combating anti-Semitism, however, his remarks even prompted White House spokesperson Andrew Bates.
"Jewish communties have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them."
"I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country don't exactly like them too much."
Several Major Clients Withdraw Advertisements
Musk's remarks are viewed by some Jewish communities as anti-Semitic comments, causing ongoing controversy in recent days. Many corporate ads appear alongside related posts, leading several major advertising clients on the X platform to begin pulling their ads.
According to Variety's report on the 17th, major corporations such as Apple, IBM, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and Comcast NBCUniversal have recently decided to halt advertising on the X platform.
American news outlet Axios reported on the 18th that Apple, which spends tens of millions of dollars annually on advertising on the X platform, has temporarily halted its ad placements on the platform.
IBM, dissatisfied with their ads being associated with anti-Semitic posts, announced on Friday the suspension of all advertising on X.
IBM shared with Axios that,
"has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination, and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation."
Musk Indirectly Acknowledged
Regarding the actions of these advertisers, Musk seems to have hinted at something.
"Many of the largest advertisers are the greatest oppressors of your right to free speech."
This counterattack seems to suggest that advertisers are indeed pulling their ads.