Elon Musk Threatens to Sue Anti-Defamation League Amid Twitter Ad Revenue Losses

The platform's CEO asserts he's "pro free speech, but against anti-Semitism of any kind."

Image via Getty/Chesnot

Elon Musk took to the platform formerly known as Twitter Monday to take aim at the Anti-Defamation League, accusing the organization of intentionally trying to "kill" his company by driving down its ad revenue in the United States and Europe. Musk also vows to file a defamation lawsuit against the ADL, if these alleged circumstances continue.

To clear our platform’s name on the matter of anti-Semitism, it looks like we have no choice but to file a defamation lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League … oh the irony!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2023
Twitter: @elonmusk

Elon claims the ADL has falsely accused him of being anti-Semitic.

Our US advertising revenue is still down 60%, primarily due to pressure on advertisers by @ADL (that’s what advertisers tell us), so they almost succeeded in killing X/Twitter!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2023
Twitter: @elonmusk

The platform's CEO declared he's against anti-Semitism, but in favor of free speech.

To be super clear, I’m pro free speech, but against anti-Semitism of any kind

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2023
Twitter: @elonmusk

Elon alleges in another tweet that the ADL has made "unfounded accusations" that have pressured advertisers to hold off on getting involved with Twitter. He claims these advertisers will continue to stand pat until the ADL gets what it wants, which is an agreement from Twitter to "secretly suspend or shadowban any account they don’t like."

Musk announced last month that he plans on removing the block feature from the platform, arguing that the option "makes no sense." Blocking will still be available through DMs.

Musk claims he will have documentation showing the ADL is responsible for, at least, 10 percent of Twitter's decline in valuation, totaling about $4 billion.

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