Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over Ben Shapiro’s George Floyd Comments + More

Elon Musk is once again at the center of controversy after he amplified Ben Shapiro’s recent comments about George Floyd’s death. Shapiro, a well-known conservative commentator, argued that Derek Chauvin was “railroaded” in his trial and that Floyd’s death was not caused by Chauvin’s knee but rather by pre-existing health conditions and drug use. Musk retweeted Shapiro’s remarks, adding, “This is something we should consider.” The backlash was immediate, with critics accusing Musk of promoting misinformation and undermining the facts established during Chauvin’s trial.

State of the Union Sparks Heated Debate

Musk’s tweet added fuel to an already fiery political atmosphere following the State of the Union address. The night was filled with several notable moments, including the introduction of 13-year-old DJ Daniel, a cancer survivor who was made an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent. While many praised the touching moment, some critics argued that the gesture was political theater meant to distract from policy failures, including cuts to medical research funding.

Another major moment came when Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett walked out of the address alongside other lawmakers in protest. When asked what she would say to Donald Trump, Crockett bluntly responded, “I would tell him to grow a spine and stop being Putin’s ho.” The clip quickly went viral, overshadowing even the official Democratic rebuttal to Trump’s speech.

Musk’s Controversial Endorsement of Shapiro’s Remarks

Musk’s decision to share Shapiro’s comments on George Floyd reignited debates over racial justice and police brutality. The official autopsy report confirmed that Floyd died due to cardiopulmonary arrest caused by Chauvin’s actions, contradicting the claim that his death was primarily due to fentanyl use. Civil rights activists and public figures, including attorney Ben Crump, who represents Floyd’s family, have strongly condemned Musk’s post. Crump has yet to officially respond, but sources indicate that the family may be weighing legal options.

Adding to the controversy, Musk’s endorsement of Shapiro’s take on the case came at a time when discussions about race and justice were dominating online discourse. Many saw the timing as an intentional distraction tactic, a play on the “engagement through enragement” strategy that Musk has been accused of employing on social media.

The Fallout and Public Reaction

As expected, the backlash has been swift. Prominent voices within the Black community, as well as Floyd’s supporters, have called Musk’s remarks “reckless and irresponsible.” The hashtag #BoycottTesla began trending shortly after, with many urging consumers to reconsider their support for Musk’s companies.

At the same time, Musk’s defenders argue that he was merely encouraging open discussion and that questioning mainstream narratives should not be off-limits. Conservative circles have largely rallied behind Shapiro and Musk, doubling down on claims that Chauvin’s trial was politically motivated.

What’s Next?

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Musk will address the backlash directly or let the outrage run its course. Given his track record, he is unlikely to apologize or back down. Meanwhile, discussions about race, justice, and political spectacle at the State of the Union remain at the forefront of public discourse.

With the 2024 election cycle heating up, expect more moments like these to dominate headlines as both sides seek to control the narrative.