BILLIONAIRE VS. BALLER: THE ADL EDITION

On 20 January, during US President Donald Trump’s post-inauguration rally, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close ally, appeared to perform a N*zi salute. This action sparked widespread outrage across the internet. However, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organisation that claims to combat anti-Semitism, notably downplayed the incident, describing it as merely an ‘awkward moment of enthusiasm.’

The ADL’s leniency toward Musk was particularly glaring compared to the group’s harsh response to Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving in 2022. After Irving shared on X the film, ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,’ which allegedly contains anti-Semitic tropes, the ADL swiftly demanded accountability. The Nets suspended Irving and required him to meet six conditions to return.

Did Musk’s status as a wealthy, powerful individual shield him from the same level of scrutiny? Did race and privilege influence the ADL’s reactions? Have a watch and let us know.

Sources:

https://x.com/i/status/1881433327779168614

https://x.com/ADL/status/1881474892022919403

https://www.blackenterprise.com/kyrie-irving-six-items-required-to-rejoin-the-brooklyn-nets/

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/08/anti-defamation-league-surveillance