Television personality Joy Behar found herself in hot water after making inflammatory remarks about billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on The View. 

The longtime co-host claimed that Musk was “pro-apartheid,” a “foreign agent,” and an “enemy of the state,” only to swiftly retract her statements after a commercial break.

Behar’s Controversial Remarks

During a heated discussion on The View, Behar took aim at Musk, focusing on his South African roots and upbringing during apartheid.

“The guy was not born in this country. He was born under apartheid in South Africa,” Behar stated. “So, [he] has that mentality going on. He was pro-apartheid, as I understand it.”

The comments sparked immediate backlash, with critics questioning the validity of her claims. 

Behar did not cite any evidence to support her assertion that Musk had ever supported apartheid, which was abolished in the early 1990s after years of activism, most notably by Nelson Mandela.

Behar escalated her criticism further by suggesting that Musk was working against American interests.

“He’s a foreign agent,” she said. “An enemy of the state.”

The remarks were met with mixed reactions from the live audience, with some appearing uncomfortable with the strong language.

The Sudden Walk-Back

Shortly after the show returned from a commercial break, Behar quickly softened her stance, seemingly aware of the potential consequences of her earlier remarks.

“Now I’m getting some flack because I said that Musk was pro-apartheid. I don’t really know for sure if he was,” she admitted.

She then attempted to clarify her comments, acknowledging that Musk was a young child during apartheid and may not have been directly involved in or supportive of the system.

“He grew up at that time when apartheid was in full bloom, before the great Nelson Mandela fixed that,” she said. “He was around at that time, but maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t [pro-apartheid]—he might have been a young guy, too.”

Behar concluded her backtrack with a nervous joke, saying, “So, don’t be suing me, okay, Elon?” She also made a pointed comment about media standards, noting that while some outlets can say whatever they want, she and her colleagues must be more cautious.

Elon Musk’s Background and Public Perception

Elon Musk, born in 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa, grew up during the apartheid era but has never been known to express support for the system of racial segregation. Musk left South Africa in his late teens, moving first to Canada and then the United States, where he eventually became a naturalized citizen in 2002.

Over the years, Musk has become a polarizing figure in politics and media, particularly as he has taken a more vocal stance against certain government policies, media narratives, and social issues. His acquisition of Twitter (now X) and his push for free speech on the platform have put him at odds with many in the media and political world.

Some critics view Musk’s growing influence as problematic, especially regarding his involvement in projects that aim to reform or cut costs within government agencies. Others, however, see him as a visionary entrepreneur working to push technological advancements through companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

Social Media Reacts to Behar’s Walk-Back

Behar’s backpedaling did not go unnoticed by social media users, many of whom criticized her for making baseless claims and then attempting to brush them off.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) mocked Behar’s comments, writing, “The libs are anti-immigration now 🤡,” referencing her emphasis on Musk being born outside the U.S.

Another user pointed out the irony of Behar’s statement, saying, “Imagine calling the guy who wants to make space travel mainstream and improve global internet an ‘enemy of the state.’”

Others called for Behar to issue a formal apology rather than a half-hearted retraction. “Saying ‘maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t’ after making a serious accusation isn’t an apology,” one tweet read.

The Ongoing Divide Over Musk’s Influence

Musk’s name has become a lightning rod for controversy, with both supporters and critics frequently engaging in debates over his role in shaping modern technology, media, and politics. Some see him as a champion of innovation, while others view him as a disruptive force with unchecked power.

Behar’s comments highlight a growing trend of public figures making bold claims about Musk without substantial evidence. While it’s common for high-profile individuals to face criticism, accusations as serious as those Behar made can lead to legal consequences or further division in public discourse.

Final Thoughts

Joy Behar’s remarks about Elon Musk sparked immediate controversy, forcing her to quickly walk back her statements. While she attempted to downplay her claims by saying she wasn’t certain, her initial comments ignited debates over responsible journalism, media bias, and public accountability.

As Musk continues to be a key figure in both business and political discussions, he will likely remain a target of both praise and criticism. However, Behar’s misstep serves as a reminder that making unfounded accusations—especially on a widely watched platform—can lead to backlash and damage credibility.

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