By: Isuru Parakrama
January 05, World (LNW): Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to controversy.
Whilst he has undoubtedly revolutionised industries and become a global icon, his public statements and behaviour have sparked frequent outrage.
Musk’s comments and actions have often crossed the line, drawing criticism for their blatant disregard for sensitive issues and marginalised communities.
From downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic to making derogatory remarks about vulnerable groups, Musk has demonstrated an alarming tendency to disregard social responsibility.
One of the most glaring examples of Musk’s controversial remarks came in 2020 when he downplayed the risks of COVID-19. Whilst the world was scrambling to contain the virus, Musk infamously called the panic overblown, referred to lockdowns as “fascist,” and falsely claimed that children were “essentially immune” to the virus.
His reckless statements not only put his employees and followers at risk, but they also undermined scientific consensus, contributing to the culture of misinformation that continues to hinder the global response to the pandemic.
Musk’s behaviour in this period exemplified a pattern of self-serving rhetoric that prioritised his business interests over public safety.
Equally disturbing are Musk’s comments on race, gender, and other sensitive topics. On multiple occasions, he has made remarks that many have found disparaging towards minority groups. For example, in 2020, Musk made a dismissive comment about the #MeToo movement, suggesting that it was being used as an “excuse” by some women.
His remarks trivialised the very real struggles of survivors of sexual harassment and assault, demonstrating a lack of empathy for those fighting against a deeply ingrained societal issue.
Musk has also faced criticism for the lack of diversity and inclusion within his companies. Despite claiming to support equality, Tesla has been sued multiple times for allegations of racial discrimination and harassment within its workforce, with reports detailing instances of racial slurs, unfair treatment, and a hostile work environment for Black employees.
Musk’s attitude towards workers and the treatment of labourers further compounds his troubling behaviour. In 2021, he mocked the United Auto Workers (UAW), an influential labour union, with a tweet that many viewed as dismissive and derogatory.
His dismissal of unions and workers’ rights is a stark reminder of his commitment to consolidating power and wealth whilst disregarding the well-being of those who contribute to his success.
Workers at Tesla have reported long hours, hazardous conditions, and pressure to meet production quotas, with little to no regard for their personal safety. Musk’s cavalier attitude towards his employees reflects a broader pattern of prioritising profits over people.
Then, there are his bizarre, often offensive remarks on social media. Musk has frequently used X (formerly Twitter) to share polarising opinions that have raised eyebrows. In 2018, he made a baseless accusation of “pedo guy” against a British diver who helped rescue a Thai soccer team trapped in a cave.
The unfounded insult was not only slanderous, but it also revealed Musk’s propensity to lash out at critics in a deeply immature and irresponsible way. Such incidents highlight the danger of a man with immense power using his platform to target and defame individuals without any regard for the consequences.
Despite his demonstrated interest against child abuse, Musk’s almighty X is now a public platform shamelessly promoting pornographic content featuring minors in disguise of “free-speech”.
Perhaps most disturbing is Musk’s dismissal of transgender rights. He has been criticised for mocking gender pronouns and referring to people who use them as “weird”. His remarks sparked outrage amongst the transgender community, many of whom already face immense discrimination and hostility.
He disowned his transgender daughter by lying on public record that he was “tricked into signing papers” and dismissing the belief that she is a woman. Vivian Wilson, who is now 21, responded to her father’s claim stating that she is “legally recognised as a woman in the state of California” she does not concern herself with the opinions of those who are below her.
Musk’s attitude towards gender identity further reflects a lack of understanding and empathy for a marginalised group that is already under siege in many parts of the world. Instead of using his platform to educate and promote inclusivity, he chose to belittle those fighting for their right to exist freely.
Opening the dialogue of marginalisation based on diverse sexual identities, Musk has never been an open heart for the queer struggle. In fact, he once pinkwashed far-right German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) by claiming that its co-Chair Alice Weidel is a woman who lives with her “same-sex Sri Lankan partner” in what he described as non-Hitleric and contradictory to far-right ideologies.
Calling Weidel’s partner, who is a Swiss citizen, “Sri Lankan” demonstrates a much sinister fume of the far-right policies unleashed before immigrants by the Trump administration.
Musk’s behaviour and rhetoric are undeniably problematic. Whilst his contributions to the tech industry are remarkable, they do not excuse the harm caused by his public persona.
His tendency to trivialise serious issues, dismiss marginalised voices, and spread misinformation highlights a dangerous disregard for the greater good.
It is time for Musk to recognise that true leadership goes beyond financial success; it requires accountability, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone, not just the privileged few.
