Elon Musk defends diversity and free speech

Tesla CEO tells Don Lemon people should be judged based on their skills and integrity

Elon Musk defended his views on diversity and free speech in a tense interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon. The Tesla CEO expressed frustration with Lemon’s questioning in the hour-long video interview, published on Monday.

When asked about his use of ketamine, Musk deemed it a private matter, stating, “It’s pretty private to ask somebody about a medical prescription.” He explained that he used the drug to address “a negative chemical state in my brain, like depression.”

Regarding potential abuse of ketamine, a drug commonly used as an anaesthetic, Musk replied, “I don’t think so. If you use too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done. I have a lot of work.”

Musk, who terminated a deal between his X platform and Lemon after the interview was recorded earlier this month, faced questions about his critique of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This included his endorsement of a thread on X by Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator, asserting that DEI was jeopardizing medical patients.

In response to Lemon’s assertion that there was “no evidence” that DEI initiatives were compromising medical practice standards, Musk suggested that the reaction of X users to the interview would enable them to “make their own decision” on the matter.

When asked about his views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Musk stated, “I think we should… treat people according to their skills and integrity.”

Regarding X’s content moderation standards, Musk defended them when Lemon pointed out that antisemitic and racist posts were still present on the platform, which Musk acquired in 2022. Musk explained that these posts were not illegal, stating, “So, Don, you love censorship, is what you’re saying.” In response to Lemon’s moderation stance, Musk countered, “Moderation is a propaganda word for censorship.”

Musk emphasized that if a post was illegal, it would be removed, but if it did not violate the law, the platform would not intervene, stating, “we’re putting our thumb on the scale or being censors.”

Musk expressed his frustration with Lemon on several occasions. When asked if he was upset, Musk replied that Lemon’s questioning was not clear.

He revealed that the next Tesla Roadster model would be a collaboration with his SpaceX business and would incorporate rocket technology. Musk emphasized that the goal was to create something beyond a traditional car, stating, “I think the only way to do something that’s cooler than the Cybertruck is to combine SpaceX and Tesla technology to create something that’s not even really a car.” When asked if this new vehicle was a flying car, Musk hinted, “Maybe.”

Regarding his political stance, Musk confirmed a recent meeting with Donald Trump but stated he had not contributed to his campaign. He also mentioned he was leaning away from supporting Joe Biden. When asked about endorsing a candidate, Musk replied, “I may endorse a candidate in the final stretch, but I don’t know yet.”