Elon Musk’s recent comments have brought to light a growing rift between him and Hollywood celebrities, particularly Oprah Winfrey. Musk’s critique of Winfrey and others centers around their stance on political and social issues in the United States, which he believes is misguided and harmful to the country.
Musk has been outspoken about his disapproval of Hollywood’s treatment of former President Donald Trump. He argues that celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, are distorting facts and exaggerating the potential consequences of Trump’s policies and actions. Winfrey, for example, has expressed concerns about the dangers Trump poses to democracy and has urged voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Her statements, such as mentioning her experiences with racism and inequality, seem to have struck a nerve with Musk, who responded by highlighting how dramatically times have changed since the days when Trump was a frequent guest on Winfrey’s talk show, receiving loud applause from audiences.
The conflict between Musk and Hollywood isn’t new. It dates back to at least 2022, when Musk announced his intention to buy Twitter (now rebranded as X). This move sparked a backlash among celebrities, who feared that Musk’s approach to free speech would open the floodgates to hate speech and misinformation. Celebrities like Sarah Bareilles, Tony Braxton, and Whoopi Goldberg were among those who publicly announced their departure from Twitter, citing concerns over the platform’s safety and the rise of offensive content.
Musk’s decision to remove the old verification system on Twitter in 2023 only deepened the divide. The blue check mark, once a symbol of authenticity, was now available only to those willing to pay for a subscription. This change was met with criticism from many, including prominent figures like Stephen King, who were surprised to find they still had their verification despite not subscribing. Musk later revealed that he personally covered the cost of Twitter Blue for a few celebrities, which only added to the controversy.
In 2024, the conflict reached a new level when Oprah Winfrey publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president at the Democratic National Convention. Winfrey’s criticism of Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, sparked a fresh round of tweets from Musk, who shared old footage of Winfrey interviewing Trump and commented on how much the situation had changed.
The tension between Musk and Hollywood isn’t limited to political disagreements. Musk has also found himself at odds with actors like Mark Ruffalo over environmental issues. Ruffalo, known for his activism, criticized Musk for prioritizing profit over genuine environmental stewardship, particularly in relation to Tesla’s expansion plans. Musk defended Tesla’s efforts to combat climate change, but the public dispute drew significant attention, with supporters and critics on both sides weighing in.
Hollywood celebrities, traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, continue to play an active role in political campaigns. In support of Kamala Harris, figures like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel have hosted fundraisers and organized events to boost her campaign. This strong connection between Hollywood and the Democratic Party contrasts sharply with Musk’s recent shift in political alignment. Once a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, Musk has become increasingly critical of its direction, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics.
Musk’s conflict with Hollywood is unlikely to end anytime soon. His outspoken nature and willingness to challenge powerful figures in entertainment and politics ensure that this feud will continue to evolve, drawing attention to the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and Hollywood, two of the most influential sectors in American culture.
