

# Elon Musk Faces Backlash for Endorsing Antisemitic Conspiracy Theory on X

**Elon Musk**, the CEO of **Tesla** and owner of the social media platform **X**, has come under fire for endorsing an **antisemitic conspiracy theory** on his platform. The incident has led to a backlash from various quarters, including the **Anti-Defamation League (ADL)** and corporate advertisers such as **IBM** (1,2).

Musk endorsed a post on X that claimed Jewish communities promote "hatred against whites" (1,2). His endorsement drew immediate outrage, with users calling it antisemitism (3). Musk later attempted to backpedal on his initial tweet by stating that he does not believe hatred of white people extends to all Jewish communities (3). However, his tweets received backlash and were condemned as a "white supremacist conspiracy theory" (4).

> "You have said the actual truth," Musk responded on the site formerly known as Twitter (3).

The **ADL**, an organization that works to fight antisemitism, racist discrimination, and hate crimes in the U.S., criticized Musk's endorsement of the antisemitic tweet (1). 

> “At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one’s influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories. #NeverIsNow,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL (4).

Musk has a history of posting incendiary tweets, and his companies, particularly Tesla, have faced lawsuits over alleged civil and workers' rights violations (1). This incident has added to the controversies surrounding him and his businesses.

The backlash against Musk's tweets has had tangible consequences. **IBM** suspended all advertising on X after a report found its ads were placed next to content promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (2). 

> "IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation," IBM stated (2).

Musk's tweets and the subsequent backlash could have significant implications for his businesses. Meredith Benton at Whistle Stop Capital suggested that Musk's rhetoric on Twitter could impact his business interests and corporate advertisers on the platform (1).

The controversy has also raised concerns about the rise of antisemitism. Hate crimes expert Brian Levin warned that Musk's amplification of anti-Jewish hate could lead to a spike in antisemitic incidents and crimes (1).

This incident underscores the influence and responsibility of social media platform owners. It also highlights the need for a balanced and responsible approach to content moderation, particularly when it comes to hate speech and discriminatory content. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact Musk, his businesses, and the broader conversation about hate speech and antisemitism on social media platforms.

<h1>Elon Musk Faces Backlash for Endorsing Antisemitic Conspiracy Theory on X</h1>
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, has come under fire for endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory on his platform. The incident has led to a backlash from various quarters, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and corporate advertisers such as IBM (1,2).
Musk endorsed a post on X that claimed Jewish communities promote "hatred against whites" (1,2). His endorsement drew immediate outrage, with users calling it antisemitism (3). Musk later attempted to backpedal on his initial tweet by stating that he does not believe hatred of white people extends to all Jewish communities (3). However, his tweets received backlash and were condemned as a "white supremacist conspiracy theory" (4).
<blockquote>
"You have said the actual truth," Musk responded on the site formerly known as Twitter (3).
</blockquote>
The ADL, an organization that works to fight antisemitism, racist discrimination, and hate crimes in the U.S., criticized Musk's endorsement of the antisemitic tweet (1).
<blockquote>
“At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one’s influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories. #NeverIsNow,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL (4).
</blockquote>
Musk has a history of posting incendiary tweets, and his companies, particularly Tesla, have faced lawsuits over alleged civil and workers' rights violations (1). This incident has added to the controversies surrounding him and his businesses.
The backlash against Musk's tweets has had tangible consequences. IBM suspended all advertising on X after a report found its ads were placed next to content promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (2).
<blockquote>
"IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation," IBM stated (2).
</blockquote>
Musk's tweets and the subsequent backlash could have significant implications for his businesses. Meredith Benton at Whistle Stop Capital suggested that Musk's rhetoric on Twitter could impact his business interests and corporate advertisers on the platform (1).
The controversy has also raised concerns about the rise of antisemitism. Hate crimes expert Brian Levin warned that Musk's amplification of anti-Jewish hate could lead to a spike in antisemitic incidents and crimes (1).
This incident underscores the influence and responsibility of social media platform owners. It also highlights the need for a balanced and responsible approach to content moderation, particularly when it comes to hate speech and discriminatory content. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact Musk, his businesses, and the broader conversation about hate speech and antisemitism on social media platforms.

The Guardian

Elon Musk agrees with tweet accusing Jews of ‘hatred against whites’

The Verge

IBM pulls X ads as Elon Musk endorses white pride

CNBC

Elon Musk boosts antisemitic tweet, claims ADL and other groups push ‘anti-white’ messaging

Elon Musk calls antisemitic tweet 'the actual truth'

New York Post

IBM suspends ads on X after ads appeared next to pro-Nazi content: ‘Unacceptable situation’

Elon Musk sparks backlash after endorsing antisemitic post that Jews promote ‘hatred against whites’

Elon Musk

Antisemitism

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Tesla

Anti-Defamation League

Hate Speech

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, sparked controversy by endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory on his social media platform. The incident has led to a backlash from various quarters, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and corporate advertisers.

Elon Musk Faces Backlash for Endorsing Antisemitic Conspiracy Theory on X

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