Brazilian First Lady Janja Lula da Silva publicly called out billionaire X owner Elon Musk during a G20 social event in Brazil. The country will host the group’s summit next week.
While speaking, the first lady was interrupted by a ship horn, prompting her to say, “It’s Elon Musk,” before adding, “I’m not afraid of you, f**k you, Elon Musk.”
Musk reacted on X with laughing emojis and commented: “They are going to lose the next election.”
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over misinformation on social media platforms. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized Musk’s platform for its policies on the matter, saying, “We cannot allow any platform to undermine democracy and the rights of our citizens.”
His wife’s remarks sparked backlash from Brazilian opposition figures, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, who cautioned that her comments could lead to diplomatic issues for the current administration.
In October, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized the reinstatement of social media platform X in the country, more than a month after its shutdown. The service was blocked on August 30 due to a dispute over free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation.
Musk called de Moraes an authoritarian and a censor. Ultimately, X complied with de Moraes’ demands, which included blocking specific accounts, paying fines, and appointing a legal representative in Brazil – a requirement that had led to the suspension.