While the gesture may have been intended as a sign of appreciation, it immediately caught the attention of viewers who drew unsettling comparisons to the notorious Nazi salute. (Courtesy: WTHR/YouTube)
Billionaire Elon Musk is facing backlash online after a hand gesture he made during a public appearance was compared to a Nazi salute. The gesture, which occurred earlier this week, has quickly gone viral, igniting a heated debate about the billionaire’s intentions and the message he may have unintentionally sent.
The Gesture That Sparked Outrage
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took the stage on Monday during a high-profile event to thank the crowd. As seen in video footage shared across social media, he first slapped his hand to his chest and then extended his right arm upward with his palm facing down. While the gesture may have been intended as a sign of appreciation, it immediately caught the attention of viewers who drew unsettling comparisons to the notorious Nazi salute, a symbol associated with Adolf Hitler’s regime.
The Online Backlash
The internet wasted no time responding to the gesture. Many users were quick to accuse Musk of sending a dangerous, or at the very least inappropriate, message. Several social media posts highlighted the similarities between Musk’s arm position and the Nazi salute, with some expressing outrage that the gesture could be seen as a tacit endorsement of hate or extremism.
Supporters Defend Musk
However, not everyone is convinced by the critics. Musk’s supporters have come to his defense, arguing that the gesture was simply a heartfelt expression of thanks. One user on social media explained, “He was throwing out his heart to the crowd.” Another added, “Heart ‘goes out’ to you. What’s wrong with that?” A third supporter dismissed the accusations, saying, “I’m sure he didn’t mean it in a bad way.”
Musk’s Response
Musk, never one to shy away from controversy, wasted little time addressing the backlash. He reposted images of various politicians and public figures who have made similar hand gestures in the past, implying that the gesture was far from unique to him. On his social media platform, X, Musk took to his usual defiant tone, posting: “The legacy media is pure propaganda. You are the media now.”
So, Was It a Mistake or Intentional?
As the debate rages on, the question remains: Was Elon Musk’s gesture a harmless display of gratitude, or was there a deeper, more troubling message behind it? Musk’s critics argue that the Nazi salute comparison is too striking to ignore, while his defenders claim it’s all just a misunderstanding.
So, BG Squad, what do you think? Was Musk’s gesture intentional or simply a mix-up? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
