Elon Musk has told an EU official to “literally f*** your own face” in an explosive row over X’s alleged role in the riots seen across the UK in recent weeks.
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, shared a letter he has sent to Mr Musk and CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino.
In it, Mr Breton warns the X chief that “any negative effect of illegal content” could result in action being taken by the EU.
He warned that Brussels will use “our full toolbox, including by adopting interim measures, should it be warranted to protect EU citizens from harm.”
In response, Mr Musk replied on X: “To be honest, I really wanted to respond with this Tropic Thunder meme, but I would NEVER do something so rude & irresponsible!”
The image accompanying the post was a scene from Tropic Thunder, where the character says: “Take a big step back, and literally f*** your own face.”
Mr Musk has come under fire as critics allege that X has played a central role in the spread of misinformation surrounding the Southport stabbings, where suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17, is accused of killing three young girls.
Initially, the suspect could not be named due to reporting restrictions. During this period, a false name of Muslim origin was shared on X with users claiming this person was the suspect.
The judge in the case then lifted reporting restrictions, citing the “spread of misinformation.”
Mr Musk has also used his X account to take aim at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, branding him “two-tier Keir” in reference to suggestions that British police are inconsistent with how they police certain communities.
Last week, Mr Musk shared a fake article claiming that rioters could be sent to “detainment camps” in the Falklands.
Sir Keir also criticised Mr Musk for claiming that civil war in the UK is “inevitable.”
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: “There is no justification for comments like that. What we’ve seen in this country is organised, illegal thuggery which has no place on our streets or online.
“We’re talking about a minority of thugs that do not speak for Britain … The prime minister doesn’t share those [Musk’s] sentiments.”
