Hillary Clinton has sharply criticized Elon Musk over a recent social media message he directed at Taylor Swift, calling it “rotten and creepy.” Clinton suggested that Musk’s comment was a veiled reference to sexual violence.
The controversy began when Swift, who recently endorsed Kamala Harris for the upcoming US presidential election, posted a message alongside a photo of herself with her cat, Benjamin Button. The post included a dig at Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, referring to herself as a “Childless Cat Lady.”
Musk, known for his high-profile status and personal life, responded with a comment: “Fine Taylor… you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.” This remark sparked a backlash, including from Clinton, who appeared on Kara Swisher’s podcast to address the issue.
Clinton condemned Musk’s comment, equating it to a form of sexual intimidation, and criticized him as a “mouthpiece” for Trump. She described the remark as “another way of saying rape,” underscoring her disapproval of what she views as misogynistic behavior from prominent figures associated with Trump.
Clinton also commented on the broader implications of the incident, suggesting that Swift’s endorsement of Harris and the subsequent reactions from Trump and his associates reflect deep-seated misogyny within their circles. She noted that Swift, a successful and influential woman, seems to provoke a hostile reaction from those she criticizes.
In response to Swift’s endorsement, Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustration, declaring “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” This reaction further fueled the controversy.
The Harris campaign capitalized on the moment with a playful statement filled with references to Taylor Swift’s music. The statement teased Trump’s reaction, implying that his negative response to Swift’s endorsement was indicative of a rough week for him.
The ongoing exchange highlights the intersecting worlds of politics, celebrity, and social media, and continues to draw attention to the contentious atmosphere surrounding the upcoming presidential election.