On Tuesday, Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos took the first test of Elon Musk’s commitment to allow free speech on the platform, tweeting that Tesla’s business interests in China could give the government influence over Twitter via its new owner. Bezos made this comment to Elon Musk’s recent tweet stating, “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter because that is what free speech means.”
I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 25, 2022
The news of the new purchase has been met with some mistrust, including from the former Amazon CEO who has continually switched places with Musk over the years in the spot for ‘the richest man in the world’. Bezos is far from the only person with questions, comments, and criticisms over Elon Musk buying Twitter as Twitter employees are likely near the front of the line.
Interesting question. Did the Chinese government just gain a bit of leverage over the town square? https://t.co/jTiEnabP6T
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) April 25, 2022
Jeff Bezos Trolls Elon Musk in a Series of Tweets About Free Speech on Twitter
Furthermore, Jeff Bezos followed up his trolling tweet about free speech with two more posted about 90 minutes later, saying the answer is “probably not,” and that “Musk is extremely good at navigating this kind of complexity.” As for the former Amazon boss’ latest jibe, it appears he’s not alone, as actor and presenter Jameela Jamil informed her Twitter departure following the news Musk is set to own the platform. Referencing Musk’s statement about ‘free speech’, she wrote: “I fear this free speech bid is going to help this hell platform reach its final form of totally lawless hate, bigotry, and misogyny.”
Ah he got twitter. I would like this to be my what lies here as my last tweet. Just really *any* excuse to show pics of Barold. I fear this free speech bid is going to help this hell platform reach its final form of totally lawless hate, bigotry, and misogyny. Best of luck. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fBDOuEYI3e
— Jameela Jamil ? (@jameelajamil) April 25, 2022
Elon Musk Has Also Made Savage Comments Against Jeff Bezos
The fellow two billionaires have maintained quite a love-hate relationship over the years. After being named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2021, Musk savagely called out Bezos for not giving enough energy to his aerospace company stating, “He does take himself a bit too seriously. In some ways, I’m trying to goad him into spending more time at Blue Origin so they make more progress. As a friend of mine says, he should spend more time at Blue Origin and less time in the hot tub.”
Read more: Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey Calls Elon Musk’s Takeover as ‘Right Path’ for Twitter