Elon Musk and Bill Gates’ Long-Standing Feud
Elon Musk and Bill Gates, two tech giants who have amassed astronomical fortunes and pledged to use their wealth for the betterment of the world, have found themselves in an unexpected and long-standing feud. While their shared attributes might lead one to believe they’d be allies, the roots of their rivalry run deep.
This article will delve into how this feud began and the twists and turns it has taken over the years.
Musk’s Conflicting Words and Actions
Elon Musk’s statement, “Offer me money, offer me power, I don’t care,” raised eyebrows, given his immense wealth and obvious pursuit of money and power. According to Forbes, Musk’s net worth is a staggering $264.4 billion, seemingly contradicting his carefree attitude.
In contrast, Bill Gates, with a net worth of $110.8 billion, has declared his intention to significantly reduce his wealth through philanthropy, as evidenced by his tweet in 2022.
Musk, too, had proclaimed his intention to divest himself of worldly possessions, emphasizing his dedication to endeavors like Mars exploration and environmental preservation. However, this commitment seemed to waver as he retained a significant stake in Tesla, holding 412.6 million shares valued at $84.89 billion, leading many to question the sincerity of his claim to disregard wealth.
Wallet Wars
Although Musk professed indifference to money and power, it became evident that these elements were at the core of his feud with Bill Gates, which escalated in 2022.
The feud began in 2020 when the two clashed over their perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic. Gates criticized Musk’s penchant for making audacious statements, asserting that he was not deeply involved in vaccine development. Musk tweeted humorously, “Billy G is not my lover.”
However, the feud intensified when Musk accused Gates of shorting Tesla stocks, essentially betting that Tesla’s value would decline. An alleged text exchange between the two was made public, with Musk questioning Gates about his stock position. Gates confirmed he hadn’t closed his short position and suggested discussing philanthropic opportunities.
Musk, however, cast doubt on Gates’ commitment to climate change philanthropy, citing Gates’ massive short position against Tesla, a company dedicated to combating climate change. The irony was hard to ignore, especially considering Tesla’s underplayed carbon footprint and the environmental impact of SpaceX launches.
Twitter and Free Speech Fuel the Fire
The feud reignited when Gates expressed skepticism about Musk’s purchase of a social media platform and his expansion of the definition of free speech. Gates questioned Musk’s stance on posts like “vaccines kill people” or claims he was tracking individuals. Gates wondered if Musk’s goals aligned with reducing the spread of extreme falsehoods and conspiracy theories.
Musk responded in his signature style by posting a composite image featuring Gates alongside a cartoon character. The image was captioned, “In case you want to lose a boner fast.” Nevertheless, Musk later claimed to be moving on from this episode, signaling a potential thaw in their ongoing feud.
More in Entertainment
-
`
Bearer Bonds: Definition, How They Work & Are They Valuable?
Bearer bonds are unique securities that have a colorful history and a distinctive way of functioning that sets them apart from...
April 10, 2024 -
`
Is Gwen Stefani Pregnant? How True Are the Rumors?
The rumor mills are churning once again. But this time, the spotlight is on none other than Gwen Stefani. The buzz?...
April 2, 2024 -
`
The American Express Centurion Lounge | Here’s How the Ultra-Rich Travel in Luxury
In 2024, certain American Express cardholders have a secret weapon against the airport frenzy: The American Express Centurion Lounge. This luxurious...
March 26, 2024 -
`
Understanding the Difference Between APY vs Interest Rate
Have you ever wondered why banks use two different terms to describe how much you can earn on your savings? The...
March 19, 2024 -
`
Dazzling! Zendaya Graces “Dune” Premiere in Striking White Cut-Out Gown
The New York City premiere of “Dune: Part Two” wasn’t just a red carpet event; it was a celestial convergence of...
March 16, 2024 -
`
The Unique Tradition of the SAG Awards: No Hosts!
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, a prestigious event in the entertainment industry, has a unique tradition that sets it apart...
March 9, 2024 -
`
Essential 2024 Startup Know-How for Women | Beginning Your Business Journey
Forget the tired trope of the lone wolf entrepreneur. Today, women are shattering glass ceilings and redefining what it means to...
February 27, 2024 -
`
Microsoft and OpenAI Sound Alarm Over AI Hacking
A recent joint study by Microsoft and OpenAI raises concerns as it unveils attempts by state-backed hacker groups to exploit AI...
February 25, 2024 -
`
Invest with Confidence: Identifying 5 Key Company Traits for Success
When investing hard-earned money in stocks, we all want the reassurance that comes from placing bets on reliable horses. But how...
February 15, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login