Apple and Disney pause ads on X after Elon Musk’s antisemitic post. Social media site X faces public outrage over unchecked antisemitic content and commentary, with some allegedly endorsed by the platform’s owner, Elon Musk.
The controversy reached a tipping point on Friday as major advertisers, including tech giant Apple Inc., decided to pull ads, and the White House criticized the billionaire for his involvement.
Musk, who has reportedly engaged with antisemitic users on X, found himself under scrutiny after agreeing with a post that claimed Jewish people hold a “dialectical hatred” of white people.
Musk’s response, endorsing the statement, triggered widespread condemnation, with the White House deeming it an “unacceptable” act endangering Jewish communities.
The backlash extended to Tesla Inc., where Musk serves as the CEO, as several shareholders called for action against him, suggesting suspension from his post.
Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, hold multiple government contracts, further intensifying the repercussions of his remarks.
Reports from Media Matters on Thursday revealed advertisements from prominent brands such as Apple, IBM, Oracle, Comcast’s Xfinity, and Bravo running alongside pro-Nazi content on X.
IBM promptly announced it would cease advertising on the platform until the situation is resolved, and other major corporations, including the European Commission and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., followed suit.
The White House weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing the obligation of Americans to speak out against actions compromising the safety and dignity of fellow citizens.
Advertisers, including Walt Disney Co., Paramount Global, and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., have paused or suspended advertising on X in response to the growing concerns.
This is not the first time Musk and Apple have clashed over X. Last year, Musk’s takeover of the platform led to a strained relationship, with Apple suspending advertising temporarily.
Musk’s recent actions have reignited tensions, prompting Apple to pause ads on X once again.
X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, addressed the situation, asserting the platform’s commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination. However, Musk has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Elon Musk’s remarks come at a time when antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise globally, notably amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Anti-Defamation League reported a significant increase in antisemitic content on X following the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Critics argue that Musk’s actions are not only damaging the reputation of his companies but also contributing to the spread of extremist content on X.
Calls for accountability have intensified, with some suggesting actions such as censure, demotion, re-assignment, suspension, or removal from Musk’s position.
The situation has broader implications, with the European Commission advising staff to halt advertising on X due to an alarming increase in disinformation and hate speech. Comcast is also investigating the matter, while Musk faces calls for resignation from some quarters.
As Apple and Disney pause ads on X after Elon Musk’s antisemitic post, the future of X and Musk’s role in the platform remain uncertain, with stakeholders closely watching how the situation develops.
