
Elon Musk and Trump aide want journalists jailed over X Hitler exposé
An adviser to former president Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey have called for journalists at Media Matters to be jailed over a report which sparked an antisemitism row on X. The row began after Media Matters reported that adverts from big brands including IBM, Apple, Oracle and Bravo were running next to pro-Hitler and antisemitic content on Mr Musk’s social media platform. The revelation prompted a series of major companies – including Disney, Apple and IBM – to pull advertising from X, while Mr Musk responded by threatening to file a “thermonuclear lawsuit against Media Matters and all those who colluded in this fraudulent attack on our company”. X executive Joe Benarroch also pushed back, saying that the research strategy used by Media Matters to uncover the content placed next to company adverts was not representative of how regular people use its platform. The organisation had followed accounts that posted the content, then refreshed the X timeline until adverts appeared, Mr Benarroch claimed. “50 impressions served against the content in the article, out of 5.5 billion served the whole day, points to the fact of how efficiently our model avoids content for advertiser,” he said in a statement posted to X. “Data wins over allegations.” Mr Trump’s adviser Stephen Miller, whose politics have been described as far-right, has now also waded into the drama on X, claiming the report was “fraudulent” and suggesting journalists at the left-leaning non-profit group had committed crimes. “Fraud is both a civil and criminal violation,” he said. Mr Musk responded to Mr Miller’s post, chiming in: “Interesting. Both civil and criminal.” AG Bailey also joined in, saying: “My team is looking into this matter.” The Independent has reached out to Media Matters for comment. The organisation previously called Mr Musk’s lawsuit “meritless” and “an attempt to silence reporting that he even confirmed is accurate”. “Musk admitted the ads at issue ran alongside the pro-Nazi content we identified. If he does sue us, we will win,” the non-profit said. Since Mr Musk’s $44bn acquisition of X closed last year, he has relaxed moderation policies on X and cut many staff involved with safety on the platform. An X spokesperson told The Independent the company did not intentionally place the adverts next to the posts from the antisemitic accounts, which have now been demonetised, meaning advertising can no longer run on their profiles. Since taking over the company, Mr Musk has come under fire on multiple occasions over content that promotes antisemitism. On Wednesday, Mr Musk, the self-described “free-speech absolutist”, sparked outrage when he said a post which promoted an antisemitic theory was “the actual truth”. A social media user had appeared to push the “great replacement” conspiracy theory on X, claiming that Jewish communities “have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them”. “I’m deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest s*** now about Western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realisation that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country don’t exactly like them too much. You want truth said to your face, there it is,” the post added. Mr Musk’s responded by writing: “You have said the actual truth.” His response received praise from white nationalist Nick Fuentes – while prompting widespread backlash from dozens more online, with many accusing him of antisemtism. He later responded to the accusations of antisemitism, insisting “nothing could be further from the truth”. “This past week, there were hundreds of bogus media stories claiming that I am antisemitic. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he wrote. “I wish only the best for humanity and a prosperous and exciting future for all.” This came after an earlier scandal in the days after the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, where Mr Musk was forced to delete a post in which he amplified an account widely accused of antisemitism and promoted debunked videos as reliable sources of information about the attack. Last year, advocacy organisation the American Jewish Committee called on Mr Musk to apologise over a controversial post that made a satirical comparison between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Adolf Hitler. Mr Musk has previously insisted that he is “pro free speech” but against antisemitism “of any kind”. In September, he threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League – a century-old NGO that describes itself as the “leading anti-hate organisation in the world” – after the organisation accused him of antisemitism. Read More Elon Musk insists he’s not antisemitic after sharing antisemitic post DeSantis backs Elon Musk in dodgy response to antisemitic post Media watchdog hits back at ‘bully’ Elon Musk after he threatens lawsuit Homes close to new pylons to be offered £1,000 off bills a year under Hunt plans Elon Musk vows ‘thermonuclear lawsuit’ as advertisers flee X over antisemitism Disney, Apple suspend ads on Musk’s X after he agrees with antisemitic tweet
1970-01-01 08:00

Harry Styles' mum defends her son's new buzzcut look
Harry Styles broke the internet when photos emerged of his new buzzcut, and it provoked a mixed reaction in his fanbase - but now his mum has jumped to his defence. There have been a number of memes and comparisons that have circulated online in reaction to Styles shaving his head - for example his likeness being compared to Ian Beale from EastEnders. It's clear this attention hasn't unnoticed by the mother of the 'As It Was' singer, Anne Twist who took to Instagram to support her son and urged fans to TPWK [Treat People With Kindness] - which also a popular phase and song from Styles. In an Instagram post, Twist wrote: “When you consider that H has a legacy of kindness and inclusion, has always made every effort to make everyone feel seen and appreciated for exactly who they are... there’s an irony in the negativity he’s been shown for having a haircut." “Sorry but I don’t get it," she added. The post included a clear snap of Styles with his shaved head, followed by a screenshot of a New York Post headline that reads: "Harry Styles fans shocked over shaved head reveal: ‘Ruined my entire life’." “Let’s uncrap that,” Twist’s image reads, as underneath the headline is changed to “Breaking news: It’s hair! It’s his! Also it will grow back. If he wants.” Since sharing the post to her 2.6m followers, fans of Styles have shared their support in the comments. One person said: "Love it, any mom would feel the same. Such a talented young man, Harry has it all! Move forward with pride, ignore the negative!" "Fr it's just hair, chill people. He's on a break! Let him chill," another person agreed. Someone else added: "Why judge him just for a haircut? It’s his life, his hair, his decision. Sadly people lost the actual message of Treat People With Kindness." "TELL THEM ANNE!!!! a lot of noise considering this guy just wants to quietly get on w his life of joy and love and kindness," a fourth person commented. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00

Kimberly Palmer: Taking these financial steps could help post-divorce recovery
While getting divorced can be emotionally and financially overwhelming, financial experts say focusing on a post-divorce plan for your money can contribute to overall recovery
1970-01-01 08:00

Issues over TikTok still unresolved, US Treasury Secretary Yellen says
WASHINGTON The United States has concerns about issues over privacy and social media, and the matter involving TikTok
1970-01-01 08:00

Woman lists room for $900 a month but renter must share bed with her
The internet had been left in shock after someone was charging $900 rent for a room which requires the tenant to share the same bed as them. In the current climate, the rental market worldwide is incredibly competitive and even after securing a place, many have found their landlords to be completely unhinged, with one charging a tenant extra for her pet fish. One Toronto tenant hoping to rent out a room has received strong criticism after stating that the tenant has to sleep in the same bed as them for $900 (£525) a month. The rental advertising post was for a “shared bedroom in a lake-facing downtown condo”. The “unhinged” ad drew attention after Toronto realtor Anya Ettinger shared it on her TikTok with the caption: “Just when you thought the Toronto rental market couldn’t get any worse, it did.” In the video, Ettinger revealed the landlord was looking for an “easygoing female to share the master bedroom and the one queen-sized bed”. According to the person advertising the room, they have had a similar arrangement with a roommate they met on Facebook, which allegedly worked “perfectly”. @aserealty just when you thought the Toronto rental market couldn’t get any worse, it did. Someone is trying to rent out a space in their queen sized bed in a downtown condo for $900/mo. And the worst part is that someone is actually going to rent this… SEND HELP #rentalmarket #roomrental #torontorentals #rentalcrisis #realestatefail People in the comments were absolutely baffled by not only the living arrangement but the price they were asking someone to pay for it. One person commented: “Living in Toronto can’t be worth it. It just can’t be.” Another shocked viewer asked: “Could you image what it’s like to share the bed when they get sick? And why is it so…expensive?” “We are in hell,” another person wrote. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00

North Dakota-Sized Area Burned by Canadian Fires: Weather Watch
Canada’s forests are continuing to burn in what has been a record year for wildfires in the country.
1970-01-01 08:00

Argentina's next president Milei must tame inflation, turn around economy
By Hernan Nessi and Eliana Raszewski BUENOS AIRES Argentina's libertarian President-elect Javier Milei has won a closely fought
1970-01-01 08:00

Greece vs. France live stream, schedule, preview: Watch UEFA European Championship online
Two former European Champions face off this week as Greece take on France. Here's everything you need to know to watch.
1970-01-01 08:00

Mexico stocks to gain further in 2024 on faster economic growth: Reuters poll
By Gabriel Burin and Ana Isabel Martinez BUENOS AIRES/MEXICO CITY Mexican stocks will likely gain further in 2024,
1970-01-01 08:00

Bank of Israel chief Yaron gets nod for second five-year term
By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron will stay on for a second term after
1970-01-01 08:00

Endrick chooses side in Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate
Endrick picks between Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi ahead of his move to Real Madrid.
1970-01-01 08:00

How the Tesla Cybertruck’s Price and Range Will Determine Its Fate
When Tesla Inc. starts delivering Cybertrucks to customers next week, it will answer a question with major implications
1970-01-01 08:00