Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul known for his controversial opinions and unpredictable online behavior, recently found himself in the middle of yet another social media firestorm. This time, the focus was on a bizarre and unsolicited offer he made to pop superstar Taylor Swift, in which he publicly declared that he would “give her a child” after she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Unsurprisingly, Musk’s comments ignited a wave of backlash, with many accusing him of being “creepy” and crossing personal boundaries.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris had their presidential debate on Tuesday night. Credit: Win McNamee / Getty
Taylor Swift’s Political Endorsement Sparks a Media Frenzy
Taylor Swift, who has been increasingly vocal about her political opinions in recent years, used her Instagram platform to endorse Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. In a post that was shared with her staggering 283 million followers, Swift expressed her support for Harris, calling her a “gifted leader” who could bring calm to a chaotic political landscape. She praised Walz for his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, women’s reproductive health, and other progressive causes.
Swift’s endorsement came at a critical time, just moments after the conclusion of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Harris, setting the stage for heated political commentary. Alongside a photo of herself with her cat, Swift explained her decision, urging fans to research their choices and make informed decisions.
Elon Musk’s Outlandish Response: “I Will Give You a Child”
While Swift’s endorsement attracted widespread attention, it was Elon Musk’s response that sent social media into a frenzy. Shortly after Swift’s post, Musk tweeted, “Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.” This offbeat remark quickly amassed over 107,000 likes, but the response from the public wasn’t as favorable as the numbers might suggest.
Many were quick to denounce Musk’s comment as creepy, inappropriate, and bizarre. Given Swift’s public persona and her fiercely private personal life, Musk’s unsolicited offer was seen as invasive, crossing lines that are typically respected by other public figures.
Public Backlash: “What Is Wrong with You?”
The backlash against Musk was swift and intense. Social media users were not shy in voicing their disdain for the billionaire’s comment, with one user bluntly asking, “What the f*** is wrong with you?” Others called him “weird” and “creepy,” while some questioned his overall behavior toward women in the public eye.
Another user added, “Elon is such a fing creep. Go take care of your own children and keep Taylor’s name out of your fing mouth,” referencing Musk’s existing parental responsibilities. The backlash highlighted a growing frustration with Musk’s erratic online presence and his tendency to make inflammatory statements that often stir controversy.
Neither Taylor Swift Nor Travis Kelce Have Responded
As of now, Taylor Swift has not responded to Musk’s strange offer, nor has her current partner, NFL star Travis Kelce. Swift, who is known for keeping her personal life private, has yet to comment publicly on Musk’s remark. Kelce, who has recently been linked with Swift, also remains silent on the matter, adding a layer of curiosity to the public’s reaction.
Taylor Swift has officially backed Kamala Harris. Credit: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24 / Getty
Elon Musk’s History of Outspoken Opinions on Population Growth
Musk’s comment is not entirely out of character for the tech billionaire. Over the years, Musk has been vocal about his concerns over declining birth rates, frequently speaking about the dangers of underpopulation. He has even gone so far as to say that a collapsing birth rate is one of the most significant risks to human civilization.
Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 11, 2024
In July 2022, Musk tweeted, “A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far,” underscoring his belief that more people should be having children. He has also expressed the opinion that “smart people” should focus on procreating to help secure the future of humanity. This viewpoint, while provocative, aligns with Musk’s broader concerns about the survival of human civilization—a recurring theme in his public statements.
Musk’s Own Expanding Family
Adding another layer to the conversation is Musk’s own family situation. The 53-year-old billionaire is already the father of 12 children, having welcomed six kids with his first wife, Justine Wilson, three with his ex-girlfriend and musician Grimes, and another three with his Neuralink executive, Shivon Zilis. Given his personal investment in expanding his own family, Musk’s comment about “giving Taylor Swift a child” takes on a more peculiar dimension.
Crossing Boundaries: Celebrity Privacy and Social Media Behavior
Musk’s latest comment raises questions about the boundaries between public figures and how they engage with each other online. While both Musk and Swift are major celebrities with immense influence, there is a clear distinction between endorsing a political candidate and making personal remarks about someone’s private life. The reaction to Musk’s tweet highlights the public’s growing concern over celebrity privacy and the appropriateness of certain online interactions.
Elon Musk has been slammed for his creepy offer for Taylor Swift. Credit: Jared Siskin / Getty
In the era of social media, where platforms like X (formerly Twitter) allow for direct communication between public figures, the lines of privacy and respect can easily blur. Musk’s tweet, while intended as humorous, was perceived by many as invasive, contributing to the ongoing conversation about ethical online behavior among high-profile individuals.
Conclusion: A Public Misstep
Elon Musk’s “offer” to Taylor Swift has been widely condemned as crossing the line into personal territory that shouldn’t be publicly addressed, especially in such a flippant manner. While Musk may have intended his comment to be lighthearted, the public reaction reveals that some boundaries—especially those relating to personal life—are not to be overstepped, no matter one’s status or influence. The incident serves as a reminder that even the wealthiest and most powerful individuals must be mindful of the impact of their words.
