Elon Musk recently ignited controversy after publicly criticizing Oprah Winfrey and several other prominent celebrities, accusing them of propagating ideologies harmful to the United States.

Musk, known for his outspoken nature and contentious opinions, utilized his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to voice his frustrations and highlight what he perceives as hypocrisy among influential public figures.

The feud began heating up significantly when Musk, responding to Winfrey’s remarks about the dangers of a potential second term for former President Donald Trump, stated that celebrities like Winfrey are “destroying America.”

Winfrey had earlier expressed deep concerns regarding Trump’s possible return to power, stating his presidency posed significant risks to American democracy.

Musk countered sharply, dismissing these claims as unfounded exaggerations.

The Tesla CEO argued that celebrities, including Winfrey, lack genuine understanding of complex global issues such as climate change and societal challenges.

During a candid conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Musk explained his belief that celebrities often pretend to possess expert knowledge about societal issues they fail to comprehend deeply.

He highlighted San Francisco as an example of how celebrity-endorsed policies, which Musk labeled “woke ideology,” have negatively impacted society.

Musk described the area around X’s headquarters as a “zombie apocalypse,” attributing the visible social decline to ideological influences that have spread through modern technology platforms.

According to Musk, these ideas constitute a “mind virus” previously confined to niche communities but now amplified by social media.

Musk criticized the ideology’s apparent suppression of dissenting voices, arguing that such silencing prevents open scrutiny of these ideas, enabling their unchecked spread and ultimately harming societal well-being.

This isn’t Musk’s first public clash with celebrities. When he acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, Musk proposed charging verified users $20 per month to maintain their blue checkmarks.

The decision provoked strong reactions from prominent figures, including author Stephen King, who vehemently opposed the fee. King’s tweet stating, “Pay $20 a month to keep my blue check?

Forget it,” went viral, prompting Musk to negotiate publicly, ultimately suggesting a reduced fee of $8.

Musk defended his proposal, emphasizing the necessity of revenue beyond advertising to combat bots and trolls effectively.

Hollywood figures also divided over Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. Actor Simu Liu openly questioned Musk’s decision, implying that the investment could have been better spent on more pressing global issues.

Jamila Jamil, another vocal critic, worried Musk’s “free speech” stance might transform Twitter into a haven for hate speech, bigotry, and misogyny, leading her to consider leaving the platform entirely.

On the other side, social media personality and boxer Jake Paul enthusiastically supported Musk’s move, expressing admiration for his dedication to free speech principles.

The conflict escalated further in 2024 following statements made by actor Robert De Niro.

De Niro publicly labeled Trump a “monster,” comparing the former president’s potential second term to the dangerous historical precedent of Hitler’s rise in Germany.

Musk swiftly dismissed De Niro’s comments, calling the actor “disconnected from reality” and criticizing celebrities for using their influence irresponsibly.

Winfrey echoed De Niro’s concerns, openly supporting efforts to prevent Trump’s return to office.

She emphasized that Trump’s previous actions had severely strained American democracy and voiced fears that his re-election would exacerbate social divisions and harm marginalized communities.

In response, Musk suggested that Winfrey and De Niro’s dramatic portrayals of Trump’s potential presidency were misleading and politically motivated.

Beyond his critique of celebrity statements on political figures, Musk further accused public figures like Winfrey of hypocrisy, specifically criticizing them for endorsing progressive policies publicly without meaningful personal sacrifices or genuine contributions toward these causes.

Musk implied that celebrities use social justice rhetoric primarily to enhance their image, maintaining their elite status without engaging deeply in the challenging work required for real societal change.

The broader argument Musk presents centers around what he perceives as the corrosive effects of what he terms “woke ideology,” an umbrella under which he groups many celebrity-driven progressive initiatives.

Musk contends that such ideologies, originating in urban centers like San Francisco, spread widely through influential media channels, negatively impacting social order, civic responsibility, and overall quality of life.

Musk’s decision to acquire Twitter itself was rooted in his resistance to these ideologies.

He stated explicitly that his motivation was to counterbalance what he views as harmful ideological censorship, promoting instead a platform dedicated to genuine free speech.

Musk maintains that authentic debate and open exchange of ideas are essential for societal progress, something he believes has been compromised by the unchecked proliferation of “woke” thought.

The billionaire entrepreneur’s stance has not been without backlash. Critics argue Musk oversimplifies complex societal problems, framing social advocacy negatively without fully acknowledging underlying systemic issues.

Supporters, however, appreciate Musk’s candidness, viewing his efforts as necessary pushback against ideological extremes they see as harmful.

The debate Musk has sparked with Winfrey and other celebrities reflects broader divisions within American society regarding free speech, political responsibility, and societal values.

As Musk continues his vocal criticism of celebrity culture and progressive ideologies, this conversation is likely to remain a significant topic in public discourse.

With ongoing developments, particularly as America approaches another presidential election, public figures will undoubtedly remain central players in shaping societal narratives and influencing voter perspectives.