The worldwide hacking collective says the billionaire ‘ruined lives’ with recent cryptocurrency tweets
Anonymous, the worldwide hacking collective, has shared a message opposing “narcissistic rich dude” and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. In particular, the group calls out Musk’s behaviour on social media, and his alleged influence over cryptocurrency markets.
“For the past several years you have enjoyed one of the most favourable reputations of anyone in the billionaire class, because you have tapped into the desire that many of us have to live in a world with electric cars and space exploration,” begins the video shared to a verified Anonymous YouTube account on June 5. “But recently your carefully created public image is being exposed, and people are beginning to see you as nothing more than another narcissistic rich dude who is desperate for attention.”
“It appears that your quest to save the world is more rooted in a superiority complex than it is in actual concern for humanity,” the message continues, going on to cite past allegations of workplace violations and ecological damage overseas, as well as unconfirmed theories about the company’s stance on Bitcoin.
The group also criticises Musk’s personal influence over the cryptocurrency market, particularly pointing to a recent series of viral tweets that have seemingly caused a sharp shift in crypto prices. “It seems that the games you have played with the crypto markets have destroyed lives,” it says.
“As hardworking people have their dreams liquidated over your public temper tantrums, you continue to mock them with memes from one of your million dollar mansions.”
The Anonymous criticism isn’t limited to Elon Musk’s worldly affairs, either. The group also references Musk’s now-deleted Twitter bio that declared him “Imperator of Mars” (because being the “Technoking of Tesla” wasn’t enough, apparently) and highlights his statement that “a bunch of people will probably die” in efforts to colonise the Red Panet.
According to Anonymous, Musk’s “fanboys” are willing to overlook these various issues because of the potential good his projects can bring to the world. However, it adds that there are other alternatives, saying: “You are just the only CEO who has gained a cult following through shitposting and trolling the world on social media.”
It’s worth noting that, in the wake of the Anonymous video, a few social media accounts associated with the decentralised movement — including the popular Twitter @YourAnonNews, which has more than 6.7 million followers — denied their involvement. @YourAnonCentral, an account with almost 6 million followers, did appear to back the message in a June 5 blog post.
Elon Musk is yet to directly comment on the video, which ends with the group’s typical sign-off: “We are Anonymous. We are Legion. Expect us.”