Elon Musk, a multibillionaire businessman, stated that he is not concerned with any possible bad financial outcomes by openly expressing his opinions on Twitter.
CNBC’s David Faber highlighted during their discussion, that Musk had posted a tweet concerning George Soros.
Musk said in a tweet that Soros “reminds me of Magneto” and added later that Soros “hates humanity” and also “wants to destroy the very fabric of civilization.”
Musk was questioned by Faber about why he would have an opinion when Tesla customers and Twitter sponsors could disagree.
Musk brought up the right to free expression.
Faber emphasized the point, pointing out that such remarks put Musk squarely in the middle of the country’s “partisan divide” and turn him into a “lightning rod for the criticism.” Faber also said that Musk has been accused of being anti-Semitic by some, however, the media personality swiftly clarified that he doesn’t believe that to be the case.
Defending himself against the accusations of anti-Semitism, Musk said he is “just like a pro-Semite, if anything.”
Faber brought up the prospect that Musk’s tweets would harm commercial interests, speculating that Tesla owners might not share Musk’s political opinions and that Twitter might not be able to attract certain advertisers as a result of Musk’s statements.
Musk then remained still for more than ten seconds, perhaps considering his next move. After a long period of silence, Musk clarified his position by making a reference to the hit movie “The Princess Bride” from 1987.
In the movie, there is a moment when a character meets the assassin of his father.
In the film, Inigo Montoya defeats the other guy in a sword duel and orders the other man to give him money, promise him authority, and grant him any other requests. The other guy nods in agreement but moves to confront Montoya, who stabs him and says he wants his father back.
“Give me some cash. Give me some power.” Musk said, “I don’t care.”
Musk defended his position, saying that even if it causes him to lose money, “so be it.”
