Ayo Edebiri has become the latest celebrity to shine a spotlight on Elon Musk’s troubling behavior on his platform X, following a fake post that prompted a furious backlash against the Emmy-winning actress. The post, which originated in February 2025, suggested that Disney was considering Edebiri as a replacement for Johnny Depp in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. In response to the swirling rumors, Musk simply declared, “Disney Sucks.”
On March 11, 2025, Edebiri took to her Instagram Stories to address the fallout. She recounted the intense vitriol she faced, stating, “Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man LMAO. So not only is he double Sg Hl-ing fascist, he’s an idiot but anyway.” Her remarks referenced the disturbing pattern of threats and harassment that often follows misinformation online.
The reaction from Musk's fanbase came swiftly, revealing a troubling dynamic. Supporters of the billionaire rallied to his defense, doubling down on their racist comments rather than taking responsibility for the role they played in escalating the situation. Some even downplayed Edebiri’s response, suggesting she was merely seeking attention by waiting over a year to address the rumors. One such response, from the account @unlimited_ls on X, claimed, “These people are completely unhinged; Ayo Edebiri waited over a year to address rumors and credible reports circulating in Hollywood from trustworthy sources. And, of course, she attacks Elon Musk.”
Such defensive posturing among Musk’s fans highlights a disturbing undercurrent in the discourse surrounding public figures, particularly women and people of color. When a rumor circulates that involves a woman of color, it often changes the narrative into one where the victim is blamed for the fallout, rather than the original perpetrator of the misinformation.
Edebiri’s situation is emblematic of a deeper issue that infests social media. On platforms like X, unchecked misinformation breeds toxicity and violence. As she noted in her response, the threats and racism she faced were a direct result of the disinformation propagated by Musk’s message. Indeed, in a cultural climate where misinformation often goes unchallenged, celebrities like Edebiri have found themselves in peril not only from trolls but from a system that amplifies and rewards such behavior.
The actress had previously spoken out against Musk when she praised comedian Bill Burr’s criticisms of the billionaire’s alleged racist gestures during an interview on NPR’s "Fresh Air." Burr emphasized that figures like Musk should be called out for their actions, a sentiment Edebiri echoed by quoting him on Instagram with a bullseye emoji, reinforcing her stance about holding influential individuals accountable for their behavior.
In the wake of this latest controversy, it is essential to acknowledge that calling out such behavior is not merely an act of defiance, but a necessary step toward fostering a healthier online community. The culture of impunity that men like Musk inhabit gives rise to environments where racism and threats can flourish unchecked. Edebiri’s experience highlights how vital it is to demand better from online platforms and actively reject the normalization of hateful rhetoric.
Participants in these discussions must cultivate an awareness of their responsibilities in combating misinformation and racial prejudice. Fellow social media users and public figures alike should insist on accountability—questioning false narratives, standing up against racism, and refusing to engage with content that fuels discrimination.
The ultimate goal should be a clearer and more inclusive dialogue that holds individuals accountable for their online actions. As Edebiri’s experience illustrates, the stakes are real. Every incident serves as a poignant reminder that the voices of marginalized individuals are under constant threat in the face of widespread misinformation and hateful behavior.
To ensure progress, advocates must push for a cultural shift that prioritizes respect and understanding over harassment and division. It is crucial for community members to stand by those who are targeted and collectively reject racism in all forms. The time has come to end the toxic behavior fostered by figures like Musk and actively work to reshape the narratives that currently dominate on platforms like X.
