Tesla CEO Elon Musk said advertisers that have recently fled the X platform following an antisemitic tweet Musk approved of should not return, claiming advertisers doing so are “blackmailing” him with money and should “go f***” themselves—making the expletive-laden statement during an interview Wednesday at the New York Times’ Dealbook Summit.
Musk bought Twitter last year for $44 billion. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for The New York ... [+]
Musk, who arrived late to the summit, said “Hey Bob,” referring to Disney CEO Bob Iger, after expressing his frustration over advertisers, such as Disney, dropping ads.
Musk also apologized for engaging with the tweet, saying it was “one of the most foolish things” he’s done on the platform and that he handed a “loaded gun” to the people who hate him.
Musk said he agreed to speak at the summit because he was a longtime friend of its host, Andrew Ross Sorkin, whom Musk misnamed during the interview.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.