Twitter CEO Elon Musk has finally apologized for spreading a baseless conspiracy theory about the vicious hammer attack on Paul Pelosi in October to his 126 million social media followers last year.
“I apologize” Musk said, after a chorus of calls to do so on Friday, as harrowing video footage captured by police officers arriving at the scene of the attack was released.
However, Musk has not adequately disclosed or discredited the conspiracy theory that the attack was part of some sort of spat with a male escort. In fact, he indicated in a tweet that he still thinks it might be true.
After the vicious attack, a number of right-wing Republicans — including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) — shed light on the crime that fractured the skull of the woman’s husband. House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Paul Pelosi was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull and repaired serious injuries to his hands and arms. Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the attack.
Others, like Musk, supported the conspiracy theory that the nasty attack was carried out by a man who was Pelosi, 82. taken from a gay bar in San Francisco rather than from a home invader. Their unsubstantiated “evidence” was that Pelosi appeared to be in her underwear. In fact, he was in his pajamas, in bed, when his house was invaded.
David DePape is currently in jail awaiting trial on multiple charges stemming from the attack, including attempted murder and elder abuse. In a call from prison Friday to a San Francisco television station, he said he regretted “not having more,” apparently referring to Democratic lawmakers. Detectives said he was looking for Nancy Pelosi when he entered the couple’s San Francisco home.
Right after the violence, Musk linked to an article in the Santa Monica Observer stating that the attack occurred while an intoxicated Pelosi was arguing with a male companion. None of this was true. However, Musk wrote: “There’s a small chance there’s more to this story than meets the eye.”
Former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted Friday: “Hey @elonmusk interested in reacting to the Pelosi video? You spread the great conspiracy…”
MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle also tweeted: “This would be perfect timing for @elonmusk to apologize the Pelosi family.
Musk replied: “I did.”
It was not immediately clear whether Musk contacted the family to apologize or whether such an apology was accepted because he did not report his lie.
A Twitter user he wrote: “Idiots on the left want @elonmusk to apologize to Pelosis. For what? It’s still a questionable and bizarre situation between two men in their underwear.”
Instead of discrediting the conspiracy theory, Musk Answer: “Still, I’m sorry.”
Musk’s nasty attack on Pelosi recalls the shocking blow to British cave explorer Vernon Unsworth, who risked his life to help rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped for weeks in a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018. On Twitter, he spat about how to save the boys, Musk called the rescuer a “pedo,” short for “pedophile.”
After being sued for defamation in that case, Musk testified in a Los Angeles court that he used the word “pedo” only as an “insult,” not as a statement of fact. He just wanted to insult the “creepy old man,” Musk insisted.
The jury found that Musk did not defame Unsworth.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.