Tensions at the G20 event highlighted divergent views on social media governance, reflecting broader political rifts in Brazil.
Brazil's First Lady Criticizes Elon Musk at G20 Event
Brazil's First Lady Criticizes Elon Musk at G20 Event
Brazil's First Lady Janja Lula da Silva confronted Elon Musk, expressing frustration over social media regulation during G20 pre-summit discussions.
In a striking turn of events ahead of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's First Lady Janja Lula da Silva vocally criticized billionaire Elon Musk during a panel focused on social media regulation and disinformation. While speaking, Lula da Silva seemed startled by an unexpected sound and humorously suggested, “I think it’s Elon Musk.” She proceeded to assert her fearlessness, indicating her discontent with the tech magnate by swearing at him.
Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform X and has previously engaged with Brazil's political atmosphere, responded by posting a video of the incident with a simple "lol." He further added fuel to the conversation with another post, featuring two laughing emojis while suggesting that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Workers Party would face electoral defeat in the upcoming elections.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Musk’s company X had recently encountered legal troubles in Brazil, including a nationwide ban earlier this year based on accusations of failing to manage disinformation adequately. The ban lifted only after the platform was fined $5.1 million.
Complicating matters is Musk’s association with former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who faced legal challenges and remains a potent figure in Brazilian politics, expressing intent to run for office again in 2026 despite an electoral ban.
As the G20 summit approaches, the exchange between Brazil’s First Lady and the tech titan underlines the ongoing tensions surrounding social media, disinformation, and political maneuvering in Brazil, setting the stage for critical discussions among global leaders starting Monday.
Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform X and has previously engaged with Brazil's political atmosphere, responded by posting a video of the incident with a simple "lol." He further added fuel to the conversation with another post, featuring two laughing emojis while suggesting that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Workers Party would face electoral defeat in the upcoming elections.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Musk’s company X had recently encountered legal troubles in Brazil, including a nationwide ban earlier this year based on accusations of failing to manage disinformation adequately. The ban lifted only after the platform was fined $5.1 million.
Complicating matters is Musk’s association with former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who faced legal challenges and remains a potent figure in Brazilian politics, expressing intent to run for office again in 2026 despite an electoral ban.
As the G20 summit approaches, the exchange between Brazil’s First Lady and the tech titan underlines the ongoing tensions surrounding social media, disinformation, and political maneuvering in Brazil, setting the stage for critical discussions among global leaders starting Monday.
