Elon Musk has publicly attacked French judicial authorities that are investigating alleged abuses on his X social‑media platform.
France opened a formal inquiry in January 2025 after reports that X, formerly Twitter, was used to influence French politics. The investigation has since expanded to include accusations of Holocaust denial, the distribution of sexual deep‑fake content and, most recently, possible involvement in the circulation of child sexual‑abuse imagery.
In response to the latest phase of the probe, Musk posted a comment in French on Friday, saying: “They’re faker than a chocolate euro and gayer than a flamingo in a neon tutu!” The remark follows a summons issued to Musk on 20 April 2026 for an informal interview with French prosecutors. He, along with former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino, has not attended the meeting.
Musk’s earlier remarks about the French magistrates were considerably harsher. In February, after French authorities raided X’s Paris office, he described the magistrates as “mentally retarded” in a French‑language post. X condemned the raid as an abusive judicial action driven by political motives and denied any wrongdoing.
The investigation, led by the French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, seeks to determine whether X’s algorithms, moderation policies or user‑generated content facilitated illegal activities. French investigators have emphasized that the probe is independent of political considerations and that non‑compliance with the summons could result in further legal action.
The case adds to a growing scrutiny of large tech platforms by European regulators, who are increasingly focusing on content moderation, disinformation and the protection of minors online. The outcome of the French inquiry may have implications for how X operates in Europe and could influence broader regulatory approaches to social‑media governance.
Media outlets continue to monitor the developments, noting that the investigation remains ongoing and that further summons or court orders may be issued as authorities pursue their inquiries.
