UK riots: Elon Musk vs Keir Starmer war of words over misinformation on social media

Updated : Aug 07, 2024 15:38
|
Editorji News Desk

A war of words has broken out between tech billionaire Elon Musk and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid the nation's worst riots in 13 years. Starmer-led Labour government condemned the role of social media in spreading misinformation about Southport stabbing, triggering anti-immigrant violence. Musk called the UK PM "two-tier Keir," apparently accusing him of double standards in police treatment of right-wing protesters compared to minorities.

Earlier on Sunday, Elon Musk wrote 'civil war is inevitable' while commenting on a post on the riots. This drew a sharp reaction from Starmer's spokesperson said there is "no justification for comments like that" and that "anyone who is whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law".

Starmer later took to X to say that attacks on mosques or Muslim communities will not be tolerated. To this, Musk asked Starmer: "Shouldn’t he be concerned about attacks on all communities?"

A day later, Musk re-posted a video purportedly showing a person being arrested for making offensive comments on Facebook. To this, Musk questioned "Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?"

Musk also questioned Starmer on a media report on sexual abuse of girls by Asian gangs.

In yet another dig at the UK government, Musk shared a picture of Peter Griffin, a character from US sitcom Family Guy, in an electric chair. Musk suggested it would be the UK government's action for a Facebook comment in 2030.

Elon Musk

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Putin hails Ukraine gains, threatens more, in annual press conference

editorji | World

Pakistan accuses India of attempting to undermine Indus treaty

editorji | World

Bangladesh interim government condemns violence amid nationwide unrest

editorji | World

Arsonists target Bangladesh newspapers after student leader's death

editorji | World

US Democrats release Epstein photos showing Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky