A leading American organization to combat anti-Semitism has come out in defense of Elon Musk and called for leniency.
American billionaire Elon Musk's controversial greeting, similar to the “Nazi salute” he made during his speech after the inauguration 47th US President Donald Trump, caused a strong reaction in America and Europe.
According to the BBC, Trump's gesture was criticized in the US by both Democrats and Republicans.
The “Republicans Against Trump” movement published a video of this gesture on the X platform and was one of the first to call it a “Nazi salute.” And New York House of Representatives Democrat Jerry Nadler emphasized that Musk's behavior was unacceptable.
“This disgusting gesture has no place in our society and belongs to the darkest chapters of human history. I call on all my colleagues to unite and condemn this hateful gesture for what it is: anti-Semitism,” Nadler wrote.
In turn, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the leading American organization fighting anti-Semitism and protecting Jewish rights, called Musk's gesture “an awkward display of enthusiasm.”
“This is a delicate moment. It's a new day, and yet many of us are on edge. Our politics are overheated, and social media is only adding to the anxiety. It seems like Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute. But again, we understand that people are on edge. At this moment, all sides need to extend a little grace to each other, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let's hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead,” the ADL said.
European Politicians React
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, January 21, that he does not support “right-wing extremist positions” of Elon Musk.
“As for Elon Musk's behavior, I was forced to comment on many of his statements in the past, because he talked a lot about Europe. I want to emphasize: we have freedom of speech – in Europe, in Germany – and everyone has the right to say what he thinks, even a billionaire. But we do not support right-wing extremist positions,” Ukrinform quotes Scholz as saying.
On the same day, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz announced that she would delete her account on the X social platform, owned by Elon Musk.
“I made this decision, and I know it is difficult. But I will not be part of a social network that is based on the use of algorithms that encourage xenophobic ideas that are contrary to human rights and encourage the far right in the world,” she told state television channel TVE.
According to her, Elon Musk's unacceptable position was evidenced “not only by his gestures, but also by his completely confused speeches.”
Recall that Musk responded to criticism about the “Nazi congratulations” at Trump's inauguration. In response to the criticism, he said that such attacks have become predictable and no longer surprise him.
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