Elon Musk’s appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday sparked controversy, with his two closing salutes drawing comparisons to Nazi and Roman gestures. As the tech billionaire faced criticism, his ex-partner and mother of his three children, Grimes, publicly distanced herself from the issue while addressing fans’ concerns.
The Canadian singer, whose legal name is Claire Elise Boucher, took to X (formerly Twitter) to make her stance clear. “I’m happy to denounce Nazism and the far alt-right,” the 36-year-old artist wrote, responding to fans frustrated by her perceived silence.
Grimes Faces Backlash for Musk’s Actions
Grimes revealed she was unaware of Musk’s controversial gesture until fans brought it to her attention. “I am still debating how to approach things diplomatically because I feel in over my head,” she admitted in her post. Despite the public uproar, she emphasized her commitment to setting the record straight, stating, “If there’s concern about that, I am happy to clarify in a meaningful way.”
The controversy unfolded when Musk took the stage during Trump’s second inauguration. After delivering a brief speech, Musk concluded with two salutes that some attendees and online critics likened to Nazi or Roman salutes. The act sparked heated debate, with interpretations ranging from intentional symbolism to an awkward and misunderstood gesture.
White nationalist figures, including far-right personality Christopher Polhaus, seized the moment to stoke division. “I don’t care if this was a mistake,” Polhaus posted online. “I’m going to enjoy the tears over it.” Meanwhile, groups like the Anti-Defamation League weighed in, with some dismissing the salutes as missteps and others questioning their intent.
Grimes Rejects Calls to Account for Musk’s Behavior
Grimes found herself in the crossfire, with fans demanding she address Musk’s actions. One fan even stated they were considering removing a tattoo of the singer, prompting her to issue a more detailed response. “It’s absurd that someone can be this canceled for something their ex did before they even heard it happened,” she wrote.
The singer stressed her independence from Musk’s behavior, adding, “I am not him. I will not make a statement every time he does something.” Grimes also highlighted her position as a non-U.S. citizen, emphasizing her reluctance to issue rash statements without fully understanding the situation.
Acknowledging the challenges of her public life, she wrote, “I promise you it doesn’t feel good to be hated all the time for things I don’t even know about, cannot predict, and cannot control. But I also chose this path, I accept it.”
Musk’s Gesture Sparks Divided Reactions
While Musk has yet to directly address the uproar, interpretations of his salutes vary widely. Some supporters argue the gesture was harmless and awkward, while critics remain unconvinced. The controversy underscores the challenges Musk and those close to him face as public figures navigating an increasingly polarized political and social climate.
Grimes concluded her remarks with a message of optimism, saying, “I simply wish happiness and health to all.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.