Elon Musk, who regularly engages with antisemitic users on X, agreed with a post that said Jewish people hold a “dialectical hatred” of white people. This has created an outrage. And a topic of discussion. Hence in a significant move, Apple, a major advertiser on X, has decided to pause its ads on the platform. The decision comes amid growing concerns about antisemitic content on X, with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, engaging with antisemitic users.
Musk faced criticism after endorsing a post on X that claimed Jewish people harbor a “dialectical hatred” of white people, to which he responded, “You have said the actual truth.” This outcry over unchecked antisemitic content on X reached the end of extremity on Friday, leading to actions from large advertisers like Apple. Musk’s remarks also drew backlash from Tesla Inc. shareholders, some of them even suggested he should be suspended from his role as CEO.
A report from Media Matters revealed ads from prominent companies, including Apple, running next to pro-Nazi content on X. In response, IBM decided to stop advertising on X until the situation was resolved. Similar actions have been announced by the European Commission, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Walt Disney Co., Paramount Global, and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. announced similar actions.
Apple, already having a tense relationship with X, stated that it is taking a pause in showing ads on the platform. This decision follows a previous suspension of advertising when Musk took over X last year, which led to increased tensions between Musk and Apple, with Musk hinting at breaking App Store rules to avoid fees.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X and former advertising sales chief at NBC Universal, attempted to address the situation, focusing on X’s clear position against discrimination. However, she did not directly mention Musk’s name or reference his tweets.
