“Texas AG probes Media Matters’ alleged fraud following Elon Musk’s accusations on Twitter.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an inquiry into Media Matters for potential fraudulent activities following allegations made by former Twitter CEO Elon Musk. Musk accused the left-wing media watchdog group of distorting data on the social media platform, prompting a significant exodus of advertisers, including prominent names like IBM, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, and Paramount. Musk vowed to pursue legal action against the watchdog group, dubbing it a “thermonuclear lawsuit.”
Media Matters alleged that X, previously known as Twitter, had placed advertisements alongside “white nationalist hashtags.” However, Musk contends that this portrayal was a misrepresentation aimed at misleading advertisers about the genuine user experience. Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey also indicated his team was exploring the matter, leading Paxton to launch an official investigation, expressing deep concern over the allegations. Paxton emphasized the need to prevent the public from being misled by radical left-wing entities attempting to restrict participation in the public discourse.
The Texas Attorney General’s office stated its intent to rigorously enforce against nonprofits engaging in fraudulent acts under applicable state laws. Musk faced criticism for a comment on X that critics interpreted as anti-Semitic. In response, he clarified the platform’s stance on genocidal content, highlighting that advocating violence or genocide against any group would result in suspension.
However, the White House spokesperson Andrew Bates strongly denounced Musk’s behavior, condemning the promotion of anti-Semitic and racist hate speech, contradicting American core values. This instance isn’t the first where advertisers left the social media platform; previously, upon Musk’s initial leadership, promising to reinstate free speech, numerous advertisers withdrew their support.
Presently, the CEO aims to uncover the truth behind Media Matters’ report, expressing anticipation for the revelations that may surface during the discovery and deposition phases of the investigation.
