In a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan, alongside guest Matt Walsh, took aim at Stephen King’s ongoing Twitter feud with Elon Musk, bringing humor to the back-and-forth jabs. The dynamic between these prominent figures has unfolded on social media, with King frequently criticizing Musk since his acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and subsequent rebranding to X.
The Spark of Controversy
King’s criticisms often seem to stem from Musk’s bold changes to the platform, and his latest tweet exemplified his frustration. In a pointed remark, King accused Musk of using “increasingly loopy, not to mention fictional posts” as a means to generate interest in X, implying that the billionaire’s antics were merely a business tactic. Musk responded with a cheeky, “You said X,” showcasing his characteristic wit.
Despite King’s ongoing critiques, it’s worth noting that Musk’s acquisition has led to a surge in the platform’s user base, now reaching approximately 430 million, challenging King’s narrative that X is faltering under Musk’s leadership.
Rogan’s Take on the Situation
During their discussion, Rogan highlighted the absurdity of King’s critiques, questioning why someone like the celebrated author would take shots at Musk, who is actively pursuing groundbreaking projects. “You have someone like Stephen King making fun of him for things no one else is even attempting to do,” Rogan remarked, referencing Musk’s ambitious ventures in space travel and electric vehicles.
Rogan further elaborated, emphasizing the need for individuals who strive to achieve significant goals, contrasting them with those who merely criticize from the sidelines. “Social media gives a platform for people who are not doing anything at all to just sit and snicker at the few people in the world who are trying to achieve something,” he stated.
A Peculiar Rivalry
The back-and-forth between King and Musk seems to lack a clear origin, but it has intensified since Musk’s takeover of Twitter. King previously praised Musk for his innovations with Tesla, which makes his recent criticisms all the more puzzling. The author has also accused Musk of promoting conspiracy theories to drive traffic to X, claiming that Musk doesn’t genuinely believe in the outlandish claims he shares.
Interestingly, King’s disdain for Musk seems to have coincided with Musk’s political support for Donald Trump, a figure King has vocally opposed. This alignment has prompted King to ramp up his critiques, as he continues to navigate his own views on the evolving political landscape.
Hollywood’s Mixed Response
While King’s outspoken nature makes him a notable exception among his Hollywood peers, many in the entertainment industry have opted for silence regarding politics, likely recognizing that their views often fall on deaf ears. Rogan and Walsh suggest that King’s persistent rants may stem from a desire for relevance in a climate where celebrity opinions on politics are increasingly disregarded.
As the rivalry continues, fans and observers are left to ponder the motivations behind King’s Twitter antics. Are they genuine critiques, or simply an attempt to provoke a reaction from Musk? Whatever the case, the humorous exchange highlights the peculiar dynamics of celebrity interactions in the digital age, where even the most renowned figures can become embroiled in playful, yet pointed, banter.
