Elon Musk’s Most Unhinged Moments: From Answering Press Inquiries With Inappropriate Emojis to Offering Wikipedia $1 Billion to Change its Name
In 2023, Elon Musk – the man behind SpaceX, X, and Tesla – found himself in the spotlight for a mix of bold and controversial decisions.
This recap takes you through the ups and downs of Musk’s eventful year, giving you a look at the moments that got everyone talking.
Twitter's Transformative Year under Musk
Elon Musk began his tenure as CEO of Twitter with significant operational changes, including altering the company’s headquarters sign to read “Titter” and adopting the display name “Harry Bōlz” on his own Twitter account.
![A close-up view of a digital tablet screen displaying the Twitter application page, with the app's iconic blue bird logo prominently centered](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/9114922b-img10.jpg)
Source: Souvik Banerjee/Unsplash
These actions were part of a series of unconventional decisions Musk made while leading the social media giant, which is now known as X.
Mass Layoffs and Management Tactics at Twitter
During Musk’s initial months as Twitter’s CEO, he oversaw extensive layoffs, affecting a significant portion of the workforce. Musk estimated that he’d fired about 80% of staff.
![Elon Musk is pictured against a solid blue background, wearing a black leather jacket with a shearling collar. His hands are clasped in front of him](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/c6d7843b-img14.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
He publicly addressed these layoffs and his approach to restructuring the company in a conversation with Tucker Carlson. Musk’s management style during this period was direct and unapologetic, as he navigated the company through major organizational changes.
The Poop Emoji Incident
In a move that illustrated his contentious relationship with the media, Elon Musk decided to end direct communication between journalists and Twitter.
![A person holds up a large cookie shaped like the poop emoji directly in front of their face](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/7894822d-img18.jpg)
Source: Sincerely Media/Unsplash
In March, he announced that emails sent to Twitter’s press address would be unanswered. To emphasize his stance, an auto-reply with a poop emoji was set up for those reaching out to the company.
Conflict with the Anti-Defamation League
Elon Musk publicly expressed his disagreements with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish nonprofit organization.
![Elon Musk is captured in a candid photo, displaying a wide, joyful smile while holding a clear glass of water](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/f7f04f42-img5.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
He criticized the ADL for its stance on X/Twitter’s content moderation policies, specifically regarding accusations of antisemitism and hate speech on the platform.
Altering Public Radio’s Online Identity
Elon Musk engaged in a public exchange with National Public Radio (NPR) after he labeled their Twitter account as “state-affiliated media.”
![The National Public Radio (NPR) headquarters building is shown under a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/d9ba2e8c-img24.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
NPR responded by ceasing its activity on the platform. Musk then suggested rebranding their account as “National Pumpkin Radio,” a comment that reflected his ongoing disputes with media organizations.
Elon Musk on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'
In an appearance on the television show ‘Real Time with Bill Maher,’ Elon Musk discussed various topics, including social and political issues, and then made the now infamous “woke mind virus,” comments.
![A portrait of Bill Maher, wearing a blue suit, white shirt and gray tie](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/5a0f1a42-img29.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
His attempt to mix tech talk with humor didn’t quite gel, making for some awkward television moments.
Public Spat With Mark Zuckerberg
In 2023, Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg engaged in a public feud, mainly conducted through social media.
![A portrait of Mark Zuckerberg, he is smiling against a blurred green background suggesting an outdoor setting](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/00fc5740-img32.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
The dispute included challenges and taunts, highlighting the competitive and often contentious relationship between major tech industry figures.
Proposal to Rename Wikipedia
Musk proposed renaming Wikipedia to “Dickipedia” and offered $1 billion for this change.
![An open laptop displaying the Wikipedia homepage in a web browser. The Wikipedia logo and the title "The Free Encyclopedia" are visible at the top of the page](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/3ee23a47-img35.jpg)
Source: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com/Unsplash
This suggestion came amid his criticisms of Wikipedia’s editorial policies and financial model.
Launch of AI Bot Grok
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, introduced a new chatbot named Grok in 2023. This bot was integrated into Twitter for premium users and was designed to mimic Musk’s style of communication, including his use of sarcasm.
![Elon Musk is pictured in profile with a soft smile, engaging in a conversation at a conference. He is wearing a dark suit, a white shirt, and a lanyard around his neck that reads "AI SAFETY"](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/0c7d7c0a-img38.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
The launch of Grok represented Musk’s interest in combining technology with elements of his personal brand.
Summary of Musk's Unhinged Moments
Throughout 2023, Elon Musk’s approach to managing Twitter and his public communication style were characterized by directness and a willingness to challenge conventional norms.
![Elon Musk is seen with an engaging smile, gesturing with his hands, as he speaks at Viva Technology](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/a9abed5d-img41.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
This approach led to a series of significant organizational changes at Twitter and influenced the public discourse around the company and its policies.
Reflecting on Elon Musk's Year
2023 was a year of significant developments for Elon Musk, marked by bold decisions and public controversies.
![Elon Musk is pictured stepping out of a building, offering a casual wave with his left hand. He is dressed in a formal dark suit and tie with a crisp white shirt](https://images.savvydime.com/2023/12/4ef150ae-img44.jpg)
Source: Getty Images
From his leadership at Twitter to his interactions with media organizations and other tech leaders, Musk’s actions and statements significantly impacted the tech industry and public conversation.