Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has found himself embroiled in a new online controversy following remarks made by renowned author Joyce Carol Oates. In a recent exchange on X, Oates criticized Musk, calling him “uneducated” and “uncultured,” which prompted a pointed rebuttal from Musk, who accused the 87-year-old writer of dishonesty and reveling in meanness.
Oates’ comments emerged during a thread discussing Musk’s public persona and recent social media activity. The acclaimed novelist expressed concern over Musk’s apparent detachment from the everyday joys and cultural experiences that resonate with many people, such as art, nature, and family connections. She remarked that despite being the wealthiest individual globally, Musk seemed disconnected from the beauty and meaning that others might find in life, suggesting that even less affluent users on the platform could experience greater emotional richness.
Her statements coincided with a broader discourse on the platform pertaining to Musk’s unconventional digital presence, particularly after his recent posts featuring AI-generated videos created with xAI’s Grok Imagine tool. One video showcased an AI-generated woman proclaiming, “I will always love you,” while another featured a computer-generated version of actress Sydney Sweeney humorously commenting, “You are so cringe.” These posts drew a mix of reactions, with users expressing concern and sadness over Musk’s digital output. Comments included sentiments like, “This is kind of sad, Elon,” and “It’s not healthy. It’s sad.”
Oates framed Musk not merely as an eccentric tech figure but rather as someone lacking both intellectual and emotional depth, despite his immense wealth. This observation taps into a more extensive critique of technology moguls who, unlike their predecessors, often seem distant from the arts and cultural appreciation, focusing instead solely on technological advancement.
In response, Musk, known for his forthright and sometimes contentious replies, did not shy away from confronting Oates. He quoted her post, labeling her a “liar” and claiming she enjoys being unkind.
Supporters of Oates argued her critiques stem from a cultural perspective, pointing to Musk’s meme-driven approach as a sign of a superficial digital identity. Conversely, many fans of Musk defended him, viewing the novelist’s comments as elitist and dismissive of his accomplishments in pushing boundaries in electric vehicles, space travel, and AI.
This exchange exemplifies the ongoing tensions between technology and culture, showcasing how public figures navigate personal and professional identities in the digital age. The dialogue surrounding Musk and Oates reflects broader societal questions about wealth, cultural engagement, and the emotional resonance of digital lives in an increasingly complex world.