Joyce Carol Oates Sparks Controversy with Elon Musk Jab—But Her Stunning Clarification Changes Everything
Others were far more intense in their backlash.
“I pity you. At the end of your life you are realizing that you have failed to form a family. No one will shed a tear at your grave. My condolences.”
Image credits: elonmusk
Some argued that Musk’s absence of “cultural” posts simply reflected the way he chooses to interact with social media.
“Elon doesn’t perform sentimentality online because he’s too busy building the systems future generations will depend on,” a user wrote.
“To reduce a mind like his to ‘uncultured’ because he doesn’t publicly coo over sunsets is shallow.”
“The internet is full of people who praise what exists,” the user continued. “There are far fewer who create what didn’t. Engineering is a form of art.”
Oates seemingly backtracked her initial assessment, arguing that she wasn’t attacking Musk specifically, but the “idea” of a wealthy man
Image credits: Flickr/gageskidmore
As the backlash continued, Oates decided to address the fallout of her own words today (November 10), denying that she was addressing Musk specifically despite having replied to a conversation centered around him.
“In speculating about the ‘wealthiest man in the world,’ I did not actually state any name. I was thinking of the emblematic, the type of being that great wealth can make possible,” she said.
Image credits: Getty/Rosdiana Ciaravolo
Oates, in a surprising twist of events, praised the CEO for his willingness to be open to criticism and honest about his thoughts online.
“It is impressive that Elon Musk allows critical commentary of himself on X. That is not usually a magnanimity of spirit commensurate with the extreme type of non-empathetic person.”
In speculating about the “wealthiest man in the world “ I did not actually state any name. I was thinking of the emblematic—the type of being that great wealth can make possible. But such wealth must seem unreal. Or ironic.
It is impressive that Elon Musk allows critical… https://t.co/RuPyncXPrT— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) November 10, 2025
In particular, Oates was defending Musk from the assessment of a netizen that argued all billionaires had a tendency to become right-wing, and then drew a conclusion about their mental health.
“It is strange that billionaires usually become far right-wing politically. Power corrupts as Lord Acton wrote. They lose all empathy,” they wrote.
To which Oates replied arguing that were Musk a true psychopath, he wouldn’t be able to allow others to criticize him online.
“Miserable person.” Musk’s detractors took the chance to further criticize him
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
Thank you! You’ve successfully subscribed to newsletters!
The Door Balancer Eliminates The Need for Door Props, Door Stops and Door Wedges
(as of November 9, 2025 18:47 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Alabaster LED Mesh Caged Ceiling Fan - 52" L X 52" W - White/Oak Wood-Grain Blades
$176.09 (as of November 9, 2025 18:47 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SkaterTrainers- Skateboard Tricks Fast No Experience Needed- Fun, Safe, and Easy- Ollies, Kickflips and More- All Ages- Accessories Make Great Stocking Stuffers Gifts for Teen Boys and Girls
$26.00 (as of November 9, 2025 18:47 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones - Silver - Wired - Adult - In Ear - 18 grams - 90 days limited warranty
(as of November 9, 2025 18:47 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment