Entrepreneur Mark Cuban has come forward to defend Elon Musk’s online antics, despite describing them as “kind of insane.” This defense came in the wake of a Secret Service probe into Musk’s online remarks.
Background
In an interview, Cuban discussed Musk’s online conduct, which he described as “kind of insane” but not out of character for the Tesla chief. This conversation took place after Musk made a joke about pop icon Taylor Swift’s endorsement of then-Vice President Kamala Harris during the election. Cuban, who has had interactions with Musk in the past, defended the Tesla CEO’s humorous style, saying “that’s just the kind of banter you’d expect from him.”
Cuban’s Interaction with Musk
Cuban shared an instance of a text exchange with Musk, where he congratulated Musk on the birth of his child. Musk responded with his characteristic sense of humor, saying “Mars needs people.” Cuban stated, “We just texted back and forth a few times and he had just had a child, and I said: ‘Congrats on your 90th child.’ And his response was — ‘Mars needs people.’ Right, so that’s just Elon’s sense of humor, right? I have no problem throwing Elon under the bus, but I’ll save it for when it’s truly deserved.”
The Impact of Musk’s Online Behavior
Musk’s online behavior has previously led to serious consequences, including a $40 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission following a tweet about taking Tesla private. More recently, a tweet speculating about a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump triggered a Secret Service investigation.
The Role of Social Media in the Corporate World
Cuban’s defense of Musk’s online conduct highlights the ongoing debate about the role and impact of social media in the corporate world, especially when used by high-profile executives. The question remains whether social media can be a double-edged sword, providing a platform for executives to connect with their audience while also posing risks to their reputation and the reputation of their companies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mark Cuban has defended Elon Musk’s online antics, but has also indicated that he will not hesitate to criticize Musk when the time is right. As the debate about the role of social media in the corporate world continues, it will be interesting to see how executives like Musk and Cuban navigate the complexities of online communication.