In a recent uproar, the billionaire proprietor of micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk, unleashed a barrage of criticism at advertisers departing from the social media giant due to the amplification of antisemitic content on the site.
Making headlines at the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York on Nov. 29, Musk, known for his entrepreneurial endeavors, vehemently addressed the audience. He responded to the advertiser exodus triggered by his endorsement of content labeled “antisemitic and racist hate” by the White House, a tweet that has since been removed.
In a fiery exchange with interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin, Musk expressed his disdain for advertisers attempting to leverage their support for blackmail. He emphatically declared, “If someone is going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go fuck yourself …. Go … fuck … yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is.”
Acknowledging the departure of major advertisers like Disney, Musk predicted dire consequences, asserting that the advertising boycott would lead to the demise of the company. He proclaimed, “And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company, and we will document it in great detail.”
A report from The New York Times on Nov. 24 estimated potential revenue losses of up to $75 million from over 200 advertisers, including prominent names like Airbnb, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft. Earlier, Media Matters revealed ads from well-known brands appearing next to posts glorifying Hitler and the Nazi Party on X.
As of a Nov. 25 NPR report, the platform has witnessed the departure of 50 of its top 100 advertisers since Elon Musk assumed ownership. Notable brands like Ford, Verizon, Chevrolet, Chipotle, and pharmaceutical companies such as Merck have withdrawn their advertising in recent months.
Amid the chaos, crypto adviser Aubrey Strobel found humor in the unexpected outburst, highlighting that CNBC’s lack of a profanity delay resulted in a violation of FCC guidelines, leading to potential fines. Musk, undeterred, continued his impassioned speech, condemning those who prioritize appearances over ethical conduct.
Political commentator Collin Rugg expressed a belief that Elon Musk’s unfiltered approach makes him the ideal owner for Twitter, embodying a sentiment shared by many.
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