Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), is under fire for his reaction to a post mocking Taylor Swift, which stemmed from Donald Trump's derogatory comments about the singer's appearance. Musk's response has been widely criticized as insensitive and perpetuating body-shaming culture.
The Incident On May 16, 2025, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: "Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'"
This comment was widely interpreted as body-shaming and sparked immediate backlash.
Subsequently, a meme featuring Taylor Swift performing on stage, accompanied by a 'Pepe the Frog' character holding a ruler near her backside, circulated on social media. Elon Musk responded to this meme with a laughing emoji, which many interpreted as endorsing the body-shaming sentiment.
Public Reaction
Musk's reaction drew widespread condemnation. Social media users accused him of promoting misogyny and insensitivity. Critics highlighted the inappropriateness of a prominent tech leader engaging in such behavior.
Notably, Musk's estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, labeled his actions as "heinous incel nonsense," further intensifying the criticism.
Broader Implications
This incident is part of a pattern of controversial interactions between Musk and Swift. Previously, Musk made a suggestive comment offering to "give [Swift] a child and guard [her] cats," following her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president. This remark was widely condemned as "creepy" and inappropriate.
Musk's actions contribute to ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of influential figures in promoting respectful discourse, especially concerning issues of body image and gender sensitivity.
Elon Musk's engagement with content mocking Taylor Swift has been met with significant backlash, highlighting concerns about the role of public figures in perpetuating harmful narratives. The incident underscores the importance of accountability and sensitivity in public discourse.
