X Mobilizes Damage Control Following Elon Musk’s Backing of Anti-Semitic Content
In a race to mitigate the repercussions, X is working diligently less than 24 hours after Elon Musk publicly endorsed an anti-Semitic post on the platform, dubbing it as “the actual truth” about Jewish activities. IBM swiftly halted its advertising on X in response, withholding approximately $1 million committed for the platform in the last quarter of the year. Linda Yaccarino, X’s CEO, along with other company officials, is grappling to address the crisis.
Employees at X received inquiries from concerned advertisers, questioning Musk’s perceived anti-Semitic comments and the juxtaposition of their ads with content related to white nationalism and Nazism. Internal messages reveal IBM’s decision to suspend advertising due to the intolerable situation.
In a morning communication to the staff, Yaccarino emphasized that “X is a platform for everyone,” stressing the need for discrimination to cease universally. She highlighted the company’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism and discrimination, reiterating a similar message on the X platform.
IBM, in an official statement, declared a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech and discrimination, immediately suspending all advertising on X pending an investigation into the unacceptable situation.
Despite requests for comment, X remained silent. The Financial Times initially reported on IBM’s suspension of advertising on X.
Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter last year and rebranded it as X, faces escalating criticism for allegedly tolerating and even encouraging anti-Semitic abuse on the platform. Musk’s past actions include attacks on George Soros and threats to sue the Anti-Defamation League for highlighting rising anti-Semitism on X.
In a recent incident, Musk endorsed a post accusing Jewish communities of promoting “hatred against whites” and claimed that Jewish people are realizing the negative sentiments from minorities supporting immigration. Musk’s agreement with the post led to backlash, with Jewish groups likening the statement to the “Great Replacement Theory,” a far-right concept suggesting minorities replacing white European populations.
The American Jewish Committee condemned Musk’s actions on X, labeling the theory as the deadliest anti-Semitic conspiracy in modern U.S. history. Social media platforms, including X, have faced increased scrutiny for rising hate speech, especially during the conflict between Hamas and Israel in October.
In September, Musk met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after facing accusations of anti-Semitism. Yaccarino, at X, has previously intervened in situations involving anti-Semitic content on the platform, indicating a commitment to addressing such issues.
