Television personality Joy Behar of "The View" found herself in hot water after making controversial comments about billionaire Elon Musk, the chief of DOGE, during a recent episode of the popular talk show. Behar faced backlash for labeling Musk as a "pro-apartheid," "foreign agent," and an "enemy of the state," sparking a wave of criticism and calls for accountability.
Behar’s remarks, which she later retracted, centered on Musk’s background, specifically his birth in South Africa during the era of apartheid. The co-host insinuated that Musk’s upbringing may have influenced his views, suggesting he was supportive of apartheid policies. However, Behar quickly backtracked after the commercial break, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding her initial claims and attempting to diffuse the situation with humor.
Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the technology and space exploration industries, was born in South Africa in 1971 and later became a naturalized American citizen. The SpaceX founder has gained widespread recognition for his innovative ventures, including the DOGE project aimed at streamlining government processes and reducing inefficiencies.
Behar’s comments drew sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning her apology and accusing her of veering into contentious territory. Some users pointed out the irony of Behar’s statements, suggesting that her rhetoric appeared to align more closely with conservative viewpoints, a departure from her usual liberal stance.
As the fallout from Behar’s remarks continues to unfold, observers are closely watching how the situation will be resolved and whether Musk or his representatives will take any further action in response to the controversy. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of words in the public sphere and the importance of responsible discourse, particularly when discussing sensitive topics such as apartheid and political affiliations.