Elon Musk shows visible frustration during a resurfaced interview with a journalist, making for an incredibly awkward exchange.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, recently found himself in a very awkward interview that has resurfaced online.
In this conversation, Musk showed visible frustration with the journalist, leading to a heated exchange about free speech and hate speech.
Elon Musk reacts frustratedly during awkward resurfaced interview with journalist
The interview took place with BBC reporter James Clayton. During their discussion, Musk was questioned about his views on free speech, especially in light of his ownership of X, formerly known as Twitter.
Musk is known for his strong opinions, and this interview indicated his willingness to defend those views, even when faced with challenging questions.
Musk began by stating that free speech is essential. He emphasized that true free speech allows people to express views that others may find uncomfortable or offensive.
He said, “Free speech is meaningless unless you allow people you don’t like to say things you don’t like, otherwise it’s irrelevant.” This statement sets the tone for a debate that would unfold in the interview.
Clayton challenged Musk by asking whether combating misinformation was more important than allowing free speech.
Musk responded by suggesting that what one person sees as misinformation might be viewed as valid information by someone else. This perspective reflects Musk’s complex views on the topic.
Questions about hate speech on X
The conversation took a turn when Clayton mentioned that he had noticed an increase in hate speech on X since Musk took over.
“Content that will solicit a reaction. something that may include something that is slightly racist or slightly sexist”.
Musk responded: “So you think if something is slightly sexist it should be banned. I’m asking for specific examples and you just said that if something is slightly sexist, that’s hateful content.”
Clayton acknowledged that he couldn’t think of any concrete examples at that moment, which seemed to frustrate Musk further.
Musk’s response was direct: he pointed out that Clayton could not name a single example of hateful content despite claiming it was prevalent.
“You can’t name a single example of hateful content, not even one tweet and yet you’ve claimed that the hateful content was high.
“That’s false, you just lied.”
Clayton’s response and shift in topic
When the discussion grew heated, Clayton suggested they move on to another topic. Musk then shifted the focus to the BBC’s reporting on vaccinations and their side effects.
However, Clayton clarified that he was not a representative of the BBC’s editorial policies, indicating that he was there to report, not defend the network.
This part of the exchange revealed Musk’s tendency to challenge anyone who questions his leadership, especially regarding the changes he has made to X.
“I am not a representative of the BBC’s editorial policy, I want to make that clear. Let’s talk about something else.”
Public reaction to the interview
The resurfaced interview quickly gained attention online. Many viewers found the exchange awkward and uncomfortable.
Some defended Musk’s right to express his views, while others criticized his behavior during the interview.
One user said: Of course it’s awkward he has no social skills or incite or self awareness let alone empathy.
The second user wrote: It’s understandable.
The third user added: I think Elon has showed great restrain.
The fourth user contained: He’s an awkward person with very little self esteem even though he’s filthy rich
Another user said: I like him. He is great!
Someone wrote: Wow, that moment is priceless! Love seeing the real side of Elon Musk!