Hillary Clinton Critiques Elon Musk’s Comments on Taylor Swift
San Francisco โ On Monday, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton shared her thoughts on tech mogul Elon Musk’s controversial tweet about pop star Taylor Swift. During an appearance on tech journalist Kara Swisherโs podcast, Clinton did not hold back, calling Muskโs remarks โrotten and creepyโ and suggesting his comment was a veiled reference to sexual assault.
Swift’s Endorsement Sparks Backlash
The conversation came in light of Swift recently endorsing the campaign of Kamala Harris and Josh Walz. Following her endorsement, Musk tweeted, โFine Taylor โฆ you win…I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.โ This bizarre comment was born from Swiftโs own post where she humorously referred to herself as a โchildless cat lady,โ an echo of derogatory comments made in the past by J.D. Vance, a Republican politician.
Clinton’s Defense of Swift
Clinton praised Swift for her impact, saying, โTaylor Swift brings an unusual impact to an endorsement.โ She highlighted Swiftโs strength and resilience, noting how the singer has taken control of her life, which sends a significant message, especially to young women. The former Secretary of State stated, โIโm a huge admirer. I think (her endorsement) has a real impact.โ
During the podcast, Clinton described Musk as Trumpโs โalter egoโ and expressed her confusion over his comment. She remarked that the tech world appears steeped in misogyny where such troubling expressions, like Musk’s tweet, reflect a worldview that leans toward โbrutalityโ and โmachoism.โ
A Swift Response
Swiftโs social media post generated a staggering 4 million likes shortly after it was shared. In her statement, she addressed the dangers of misinformation, particularly about AI-generated images falsely portraying her as a Trump supporter, and emphasized the importance of registering to vote.
Creating a Stir
Clinton pointed out that Swift is more than just a singer; she is a self-made billionaire who has overcome considerable challenges. โSheโs also someone who stood up to a guy who groped her and fought for her music rights against those who tried to exploit her,โ Clinton said, referring to Swift’s legal battle after an incident in 2013 and her decision to re-record her original albums after losing control of their masters.
Reactions from Others
While many celebrities have stepped up to support Swift, including icons like Stevie Nicks and Oprah, voices from the conservative side have expressed frustration with her political stance. On her talk show, Megyn Kelly did not hold her tongue, saying โF you, Taylor Swift,โ regarding the endorsement. Even former President Donald Trump publicly declared his disdain by posting โI HATE TAYLOR SWIFTโ on his social media platform.
The Harris-Walz Campaign Responds
In a cheeky turn, the Harris-Walz campaign came to Swiftโs defense by issuing a statement titled โTrumpโs Bad Week (Taylorโs Version),โ cleverly using references from Swift’s lyrics. The statement read, โWeโre pretty sure itโs Safe (& Sound) to say Donald Trumpโs week has him Down Bad.โ The campaign highlighted that despite Trumpโs grievances, the focus should remain on the pressing issues facing the American public.
Conclusion
As events continue to unfold, it is clear that both music and politics play a significant role in shaping public discourse. Clintonโs remarks remind audiences of the influence artists like Swift can have, especially when they use their platforms to promote important causes like voting and women’s rights. The conversation surrounding Swift, Musk, and Trump underscores ongoing tensions in today’s social and political landscape.
