Elon Musk runs one of the world’s largest social platforms, X, and frequently uses it to reply to just about anyone. When celebrities get involved, things often spiral into viral chaos.
These direct responses have fueled endless online drama, from awkward offers to sharp insults. With Musk’s influence only growing, especially after his ties to politics and tech, these moments highlight how a single tweet can dominate headlines and stir up public opinion.
Here are six standout cases where his replies turned messy.
1. Taylor Swift
Image Credit: Brian Friedman / Shutterstock
Taylor Swift has built a massive empire with her music and fanbase, but her political moves can draw fire. In September 2024, she endorsed Kamala Harris for president, sharing her thoughts on voting and equality.
Musk jumped in with a tweet that raised eyebrows everywhere: “Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.” The response felt out of left field and personal.
Fans and critics called it creepy and over the line, pointing out how it mixed her endorsement with odd humor about her famous love for cats. Swift didn’t reply directly, but the internet exploded.
Memes flooded X, and discussions about boundaries in celebrity interactions went viral. This exchange showed Musk’s habit of blending politics with playful jabs, but it left many questioning if it crossed into uncomfortable territory.
Why now? With elections heating up, it reminded everyone how stars’ opinions can pull in powerful figures like Musk.
2. Stephen King
Stephen King, the horror master behind books like “It” and “The Shining,” has never held back on X. He’s criticized Musk’s decisions on the platform multiple times, from content policies to political stances.
In July 2025, after King posted something Musk deemed inaccurate, the X owner fired back: “Maybe Stephen King excuses the evil in his own soul by projecting that onto the rest of the world.”
That wasn’t the end. Just months later, in September 2025, Musk questioned another of King’s tweets, asking why he’d share something “blatantly false.” King, known for his sharp wit, often hits back with sarcasm or direct calls-outs.
Their back-and-forth has spanned years, including spats over Twitter Blue subscriptions, during which Musk trolled King by paying for his checkmark against King’s wishes.
Reactions poured in from fans on both sides, with some defending King’s free speech and others siding with Musk’s pushback.
3. Sydney Sweeney
Photo Credit: sydneysweney_/Instagram
Sydney Sweeney turned heads at the premiere of “The Housemaid” in December 2025 with a bold outfit. Variety posted about it, and Musk chimed in with a GIF showing a strained spine under a large chest.
The comment was seen as objectifying, sparking outrage from Sweeney’s fans who accused Musk of reducing her to her appearance.
Others dismissed it as harmless humor. Netizens mocked Musk while sharing memes, turning a red-carpet moment into a broader conversation.
4. Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor, the frontman of Nine Inch Nails, made waves when he quit Twitter in November 2022, citing the platform’s toxic shift under Musk. He described it as an “embarrassment” in an interview.
Musk shot back on X: “And it turns out that Trent ‘nine inch nails’ Reznor is actually a crybaby.” The reply was petty and playful, but it stung. Reznor’s fans slammed Musk for mocking someone bailing on a problematic site, while Musk’s supporters laughed it off as typical banter.
Reznor didn’t engage further, but the exchange highlighted growing frustration among artists with X’s changes. Years later, it still gets referenced in discussions about celebrity exits from social media.
5. Joyce Carol Oates
Author Joyce Carol Oates, known for novels like “Blonde” and her prolific writing, sparked a 2025 feud with a post Musk called “demonstrably false.” He didn’t hold back, labeling her a “lazy liar” and “an abuser of semicolons.” He even joked she’d be a “real downer at parties.”
Oates fired back in her signature style, defending her views and critiquing Musk’s influence. The clash went viral, with literary fans defending Oates’ right to speak out and Musk’s crowd cheering his bluntness.
It got messy fast, pulling in comments from other writers and users about truth versus opinion online.
6. Jimmy Kimmel
Image by Jimmy Kimmel via Instagram
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel thrives on comedy and commentary, often targeting political figures.
In September 2025, Kimmel went after the “MAGA gang” on his show, accusing them of low blows in response to a tragic event. Musk didn’t let it slide, replying directly: “Jimmy Kimmel is disgusting.”
The comment ignited a firestorm. Kimmel’s fans rallied, calling Musk’s words hypocritical given his own controversial posts. Others praised Musk for calling out what they saw as biased media.
This wasn’t their first clash; Musk labeled Kimmel an “insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet” in a more recent exchange (November 2024), following various earlier jabs between them over monologues and media commentary.
The public ate it up, with clips from Kimmel’s show recirculating and debates raging about humor versus hate.
Wrapping Up
These run-ins aren’t just random tweets; they reflect Musk’s unfiltered style in a world where X amplifies every word.
From political endorsements to personal jabs, they’ve sparked global chatter and even influenced how people view free speech online. As Musk continues shaping tech and culture, expect more of these moments.
Which one surprised you most?
