Concerns have cropped up around X (formerly Twitter) regarding the proliferation of unchecked antisemitic content and commentary on the platform. The controversy reached a critical point on Friday when major advertisers, including Apple, decided to pull their ads in response to the situation. The platform’s owner, Elon Musk, has faced backlash for engaging with antisemitic users and endorsing posts that make inflammatory statements.
Elon Musk’s agreement with a post suggesting that Jewish people harbour a “dialectical hatred” of white people has drawn widespread criticism, as reported by Bloomberg. The White House condemned Musk’s response, deeming it an “unacceptable” act that poses a threat to Jewish communities. Shareholders of Tesla, where Musk serves as the CEO, have also voiced concerns, with some calling for his suspension from the position.
The White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates, emphasised the responsibility of Americans to speak out against actions compromising the dignity of fellow citizens and the safety of communities. Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, hold various government contracts.
The outcry intensified following a report by Media Matters, revealing advertisements from prominent companies such as Apple, IBM, Oracle, Comcast’s Xfinity, and Bravo running alongside pro-Nazi content on X. IBM announced it would cease advertising on the platform until the situation is resolved.
Several entities, including the European Commission, Lionsgate, Walt Disney, Paramount Global, and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., have joined the advertising suspension on X. This move follows a surge in antisemitic incidents on the platform, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League.
Elon Musk’s remarks come at a time of increasing antisemitism and Islamophobia globally, particularly amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Last year, Musk faced criticism for a tweet drawing a satirical comparison between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Adolf Hitler.
Critics, including Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Inc., have expressed concerns about Musk’s actions negatively impacting the reputation of his companies. Musk has accused the Anti-Defamation League of undermining X’s advertising revenue by highlighting extremist content, contributing to a reported 60% decline in ad sales on the platform.
While Musk has yet to respond to the recent developments, the situation has prompted discussions about the appropriateness of his role within Tesla and X. Advertisers are reevaluating their association with the platform, with Apple announcing a pause in showing ads on X. The European Commission cited an “alarming increase in disinformation and hate speech” as a reason for its staff to stop advertising on the platform.
Comcast is currently investigating the matter, while Apple and Oracle have not responded to requests for comments, as reported by Bloomberg. X has taken steps to address offensive content by making associated accounts non-monetisable and labelling specific posts as “Sensitive Media.”
The controversy has also led to calls for action within Tesla, with suggestions ranging from censure to removal of Musk from his position. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the platform’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, will navigate this challenging and morally charged scenario.