Elon Musk has faced significant backlash for spreading misinformation regarding Netflix’s new series Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper. The four-part drama explores the psychological and social factors behind a teenage boy’s violent actions, as well as the growing influence of misogyny and harmful online ideologies on young boys.
The controversy began when commentator Ian Miles Cheong falsely claimed that Adolescence was inspired by the Southport murder case — a tragic incident that took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024, where three children were killed. Cheong further alleged that the show “race swapped” the killer from a Black man to a white boy and framed the story as “anti-white propaganda.”
Despite the fact that production for Adolescence began in March 2024, months before the Southport tragedy occurred, Musk responded to Cheong’s claims with a simple “Wow,” fueling the spread of the false narrative. His reaction sparked swift criticism from users on X (formerly Twitter), with many condemning him for politicizing a tragedy and promoting misinformation.
One user remarked, “The amount of viral nonsense that is posted as news on this app, often amplified by Elon Musk, is mind-boggling.” Another wrote, “Elon Musk’s reckless amplification of misinformation distorts reality and fuels division.”
This is not the first time Musk has faced backlash for spreading false claims. Recently, actress Ayo Edebiri revealed she received death threats and racial slurs after Musk promoted a fake rumor that she would replace Johnny Depp in a new Pirates of the Caribbean film.
While Adolescence is not based on the Southport case, it has been praised for addressing critical social issues, including the rise of online misogyny and the dangers of radicalization. In its review, NMEawarded the series four stars, noting its ability to spark “much-needed conversations” about these topics.
The incident has reignited concerns over Musk’s influence on social media and the unchecked spread of misinformation on the platform he owns.
