Elon Musk Sparks Controversy by Calling Ben Stiller a “Retard”
In a recent social media post, Elon Musk caused a stir by referring to actor Ben Stiller as a “retard.” The incident occurred after Stiller, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, expressed doubts about being able to make his 2008 film “Tropic Thunder” in today’s cultural climate.
Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly known as Twitter), shared a post from author John LeFevre that highlighted Stiller’s comments about the challenges of creating edgier comedy in today’s society. In response, Musk commented, “Damn he went full retard,” accompanied by laughing emojis, referencing a line from “Tropic Thunder.”
However, it’s important to note that Stiller did not explicitly use the word “woke” in his recent remarks about the film. In a Collider interview, Stiller acknowledged the controversial nature of “Tropic Thunder,” particularly the character played by Robert Downey Jr., who wore blackface in the movie.
Stiller expressed uncertainty about whether the film could be made in today’s environment, citing the increased sensitivity around edgy humor. He admitted that the character’s concept was risky even at the time of production, emphasizing that the joke was intended to satirize actors’ extreme measures to secure awards.
In addition to his comments on “Tropic Thunder,” Stiller publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, advocating for change in the political landscape. This endorsement contrasts with Musk’s close alliance with former President Donald Trump, who reportedly used derogatory language towards both Harris and President Joe Biden during the 2020 election.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s remarks underscores the ongoing debate over free speech, political correctness, and the evolving boundaries of humor in modern society. As discussions about cultural sensitivity continue to shape public discourse, it remains to be seen how artists and creators navigate the complexities of comedy and social commentary in the digital age.
