Joy Behar rips Elon Musk as ‘pro-apartheid enemy of the state’ – quickly walks back comments: ‘Don’t be suing me’

Joy Behar’s Controversial Comments Spark Outrage and Backlash

In a recent episode of The View, co-host Joy Behar found herself at the center of a firestorm after making inflammatory and factually questionable comments about billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Behar, known for her outspoken and often divisive opinions, accused Musk of being "pro-apartheid," a "foreign agent," and even an "enemy of the state." These remarks were made during a segment that many viewers interpreted as having nativist undertones, a characterization that added fuel to the controversy.

The Context of Behar’s Comments

During the show, Behar singled out Musk’s background, pointing out that he was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, a time when the country was under apartheid. She suggested that Musk’s upbringing during that era might have instilled in him a "pro-apartheid mentality." Behar also criticized Musk’s nationality, implying that his foreign birth somehow disqualified him from holding influential positions in the United States. Her comments came just after it was announced that Musk had been tapped by former President Donald Trump to lead a cost-cutting initiative, a role that Behar seemed to take particular issue with.

A Sudden and Flippant Retraction

However, Behar’s tone shifted dramatically after a commercial break. She returned to the show and began to backtrack on her earlier statements, acknowledging that she had no concrete evidence to support her claims about Musk’s alleged support for apartheid. "I don’t really know for sure if he was," she admitted, downplaying her earlier assertions. In a somewhat flippant attempt to defuse the situation, Behar even joked, "Don’t be suing me, okay Elon?" Despite her lighthearted tone, the damage had already been done, and her retraction did little to quell the outrage that had begun to build online.

Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash

By the time Behar attempted to clarify her remarks, the internet was already ablaze with reactions. Social media users from across the political spectrum were quick to call out Behar for her comments, with many accusing her of hypocrisy and bigotry. Several viral tweets pointed out the irony of a liberal TV host espousing nativist rhetoric, with one user quipping, "The libs are anti-immigration now," accompanied by a clown emoji. The post garnered over 14,000 likes, reflecting the widespread criticism of Behar’s stance.

The Broader Implications of Behar’s Comments

The fallout from Behar’s remarks extended beyond the immediate reaction on social media. Many commentators noted that her comments seemed to echo the kind of divisive rhetoric often associated with conservative figures, further blurring the lines between political ideologies. The fact that Behar, a prominent liberal voice, was criticizing Musk for his foreign background struck some as particularly hypocritical, given the left’s traditional stance on immigration and diversity. The incident also raised questions about the responsibility of public figures to verify their statements before airing them on national television.

A Lesson in Accountability and Public Discourse

In the end, Joy Behar’s controversial comments about Elon Musk serve as a reminder of the power and peril of public discourse. While live television often leads to impromptu statements, the reach and impact of such platforms demand a higher level of accountability. Behar’s hasty retraction and attempt to joke her way out of the situation only seemed to exacerbate the problem, highlighting the importance of thoughtful communication, especially when addressing sensitive topics like race, nationality, and identity. As public figures continue to navigate the complexities of modern discourse, incidents like this one underscore the need for greater care and consideration in the words we choose to share.