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A shocking new development has arrived in the newfound rivalry between Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
In a surprising move, Bob Iger, the influential CEO of The Walt Disney Company, recently made headlines when he decided to pull advertisements from a significant social media platform, X, following controversial remarks made by X’s owner, Elon Musk. The decision stemmed from Musk’s alleged sharing of “anti-Semitic” rhetoric on the platform, a move that raised eyebrows and sparked a heated debate on the role of social media in promoting responsible communication.
Now, Musk has responded to Iger’s decision with a huge callout yesterday.
Related: Elon Musk’s “Antisemitic” Stance Results in Disney Abandoning ‘X’ Advertising
A Growing Rivalry: Elon vs Iger
As the CEO of Disney, Bob Iger has long been regarded as a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Under his visionary leadership, The Walt Disney Company has achieved remarkable success, not only with its iconic theme parks, movies, and television shows but also by staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Iger’s recent decision to withdraw advertising from X demonstrates to many supporters his commitment to promoting ethical business practices and maintaining Disney’s reputation as a socially responsible organization.
Many supporters may have commended Iger for pulling advertisements, and Musk sees this move as having potentially disastrous repercussions for X. Speaking at the New York Times Dealbook Summit, Musk said,
“What this advertising boycott is going to do is, it is going to kill the company. And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company.”
Elon Musk responded to Bob Iger pulling Disney ads from X: "Don’t advertise. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f–k yourself, is that clear? Hey Bob, if you’re in the audience. That’s how I feel" https://t.co/6ut3IjT3zV pic.twitter.com/aPTGveEeEJ
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 29, 2023
In a bold and unapologetic response, Elon Musk didn’t hold back his feelings when addressing Bob Iger’s decision to pull Disney ads from a Musk’s X platform. Musk’s fiery statement was a direct jab at Iger, leaving no room for ambiguity or hesitation. With a clear, no-nonsense attitude, he firmly expressed, “Don’t advertise. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f–k yourself, is that clear? Hey Bob, if you’re in the audience. That’s how I feel.”
Musk’s Words Send Shockwaves Through Industry
Musk’s reaction highlighted his disdain for attempts to manipulate him by leveraging advertising revenues. Musk is known for his unwavering commitment to staying true to his principles; it is something his supporters love about him. His direct and confrontational style left no doubt about his feelings, signaling an uncompromising stance on matters that he deems essential.
As an influential figure in the business world, Musk’s outspoken nature has often garnered attention and sparked a wide range of reactions. While some may see his comments as abrasive or confrontational, others admire his steadfastness and refusal to be swayed by external pressures or conventional norms.
This clash of ideals between Musk and Iger reveals the complex dynamics that exist within the corporate landscape. Time will reveal what is to come for both the Walt Disney Company and X in 2024.