Washington (Staff Correspondent): Renowned British-Indian author Salman Rushdie, who has faced threats several times and has been badly injured in an attack, has expressed his dislike and dissatisfaction against billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. He accused Musk of failing to defend freedom of expression and said that Musk’s stance actually undermines this freedom.
Musk’s stance and freedom of expression
During the Hay Festival held in Cartagena, Colombia, Rushdie in an interview sharply criticised Elon Musk’s stance. When questioned whether Musk’s social media platform X promotes freedom of expression, Rushdie clearly stated that Musk’s method goes against this noble objective. He said, “Elon Musk does not defend freedom of expression. His social network moderates extreme right-wing discourse.” Rushdie criticised Musk, saying that his actions undermine freedom of expression rather than supporting it. “It’s very dishonest that you adopt a purpose that is contrary to your actions,” he said.
Desire to go to Mars
During the interview, Rushdie expressed his wish for Musk, saying that he wants Musk to be the first person to go to Mars.When asked if he wanted to stay away from Musk, Rushdie shook his head and said, “I just want him to go away.” He also revealed that about ten years ago, he met Musk in Los Angeles, and Musk told him that he planned to reach Mars in seven years.Rushdie said, “Seven years have already passed and I really want him to go away.”
