In a company-wide communication on Sunday night, Social Media Company X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, addressed growing concerns about the platform’s handling of antisemitism. Yaccarino emphasized that “data will tell the real story” regarding the efforts of the social media company, responding to a recent controversy that has led to the loss of major advertisers.
Social Media Company X Controversy: Formerly known as Twitter, Company X faced a significant blow as major advertisers, including IBM and Comcast, pulled their support. The controversy escalated when owner Elon Musk agreed with a post on the platform last Wednesday, falsely alleging that Jewish people were fostering hatred against white individuals. The White House condemned Musk’s endorsement, further fueling public outrage.
On Thursday, media watchdog group Media Matters reported that advertisements for prominent brands had appeared alongside posts promoting Nazism. This revelation intensified the criticism against Company X’s content moderation policies.
“While some advertisers may have temporarily paused investments because of a misleading and manipulated article, the data will tell the real story,” stated Yaccarino in the Sunday night communication seen by Reuters. She reiterated that Company X has been transparent about its efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination.
Over the weekend, Elon Musk took to Company X to announce his intention to file a “thermonuclear” lawsuit against Media Matters, accusing the organization of a “fraudulent attack” on the platform. A Company X representative confirmed the company’s plan to sue the nonprofit organization, with legal action potentially commencing on Monday.
In response to Musk’s announcement, Media Matters President Angelo Carusone criticized Musk, stating, “Far from the free speech advocate he claims to be, Musk is a bully who threatens meritless lawsuits in 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.”
The controversy surrounding social media Company X unfolds against the backdrop of a global surge in antisemitism, notably in the United States. This rise follows the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel and the subsequent military actions in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military.
It’s worth noting that Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022 for $44 billion resulted in substantial layoffs, including numerous employees responsible for content moderation on the platform. The aftermath of these layoffs has raised questions about the company’s ability to effectively manage and moderate its content, contributing to the current backlash.
As social media Company X navigates this controversy crisis, the impact on its user base and advertiser relationships remains uncertain, with stakeholders closely watching the unfolding developments.
Source: Reuters
