Acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates has sparked a online debate with billionaire Elon Musk on the social media platform X. The exchange began when Oates quote-tweeted a post about Musk, questioning what brings him joy or meaning in life. She expressed surprise that despite his wealth, Musk rarely posts about things that most people appreciate, such as nature, pets, movies, or books.

Musk responded by calling Oates’ statement “demonstrably false” and accused her of being a liar who delights in being mean. He also made a personal attack on her writing, saying it was “laboriously pretentious drivel.” The exchange quickly went viral, with many users weighing in on the debate.

It is worth noting that while Musk has posted about various topics, including science fiction, his timeline is largely dominated by posts promoting his companies, airing grievances, and discussing politics. In response to Oates’ criticism, Musk has recently begun replying to posts about movies and other cultural topics, simply stating “good movie” or similar brief comments.

Oates, an accomplished author known for her prolific online presence, has continued to post about literature, cats, and other topics, including her exchange with Musk. She clarified that her initial post was motivated by curiosity about why someone with unlimited resources seems to exhibit little appreciation for things that bring meaning to most people’s lives.

The debate between Oates and Musk has sparked significant interest online, with many users discussing the role of social media in shaping public perception and the responsibilities that come with having a large online following. As the exchange continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what implications it may have for the parties involved. The incident highlights the complexities of online interactions and the potential consequences of public figures engaging in online debates.