Elon Musk has stepped up his public criticism of Wikipedia, alleging that the online encyclopedia deleted important content related to former US President Bill Clinton’s ties to controversial sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk retweeted a video by user @BGatesIsaPsycho, declaring: “No more donations to @Wikipedia until they start being honest.”
Allegations of content deletion
The controversy began when online content creator Ian Carroll, who was conducting research for an upcoming documentary, claimed to have noticed edits to Bill Clinton’s Wikipedia page. Carroll alleged that on July 22, 2024, an anonymous user removed an entire section detailing Clinton’s communications with Epstein, including his alleged use of Epstein’s private jet.
Carroll’s claims drew criticism from Musk, although Carroll later indicated that the deleted portion had been restored. He expressed uncertainty about whether his video influenced his reinstatement.
A review of the page’s edit history revealed that Wikipedia user ThingsCanOnlyGetWetter He deleted it, citing reorganization of the content into sub-articles. Wikipedia subsequently banned the account, claiming it was linked to another user operating under a pseudonym. InPursuitOfAMorePerfectUnion.
Musk’s ongoing feud with Wikipedia
Musk’s recent statements represent a continuation of his history of friction with Wikipedia. He has previously criticized the platform’s funding practices, particularly its spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In response to a post by TikTok’s Libs highlighting that Wikipedia had allocated $50m (£39.85m) of its $177m (£141.83m) budget to DEI programmes, Musk called for a halt to donations.
“Stop donating to Wokepedia until they restore balance to their editorial power.” Post Musk on X.
In 2023, Musk offered to buy Wikipedia for $1bn (£796.92m), proposing to change the name “for accuracy”. The Wikipedia Foundation rejected the offer, stressing that it is a non-profit organization and is not for sale.
Despite Musk’s criticism, Wikipedia explained that its DEI spending is aimed at improving global representation. The platform has categorized the world into eight regions and plans to hire editors from underrepresented regions, reflecting its broader mission of increasing equitable access to knowledge.
Wikipedia’s response and Jimmy Wales’ position
Wikipedia has officially remained neutral on Musk’s criticism. However, its co-founder, Jimmy Wales, has publicly criticized Musk’s approach to content moderation on X.
talk in Web Summit in Lisbon in November 2023Wells referred to X as a platform “controlled by trolls and lunatics,” and expressed concern about its impact on public discourse. He also questioned Musk’s credibility, saying: “I’m very happy about that.” [language models] They read Wikipedia and not just Elon Musk’s Twitter; It’s not really a great source of truth.
Wells also dismissed Grok, Musk’s chatbot, joking: “I haven’t even heard of it.”
Broader implications: transparency and bias
Musk’s dispute with Wikipedia raises broader issues around transparency, neutrality and accountability in the management of public information platforms. While his provocative gestures, including a proposed name change to “D*ckipedia,” are generating controversy, they also highlight critical debates about ideological balance and the role of such platforms in shaping public discourse.
Whether Musk’s criticisms lead to meaningful reforms or remain divisive rhetoric, this episode underscores the growing tension between the principles of free information and the perceived biases of those who control it. As the debate develops, both Wikipedia and Musk face scrutiny over their approaches to transparency and truth.