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He's one of the richest men on the planet – but Elon Musk has plenty to say about how another billionaire's ex-wife spends her fortune.
The 52-year-old Tesla boss recently lashed out at MacKenzie Scott (53) for donating to worthy causes after an X user pointed out that she often gives to organisations that focus on gender and race issues.
“Super rich ex-wives who hate their former spouse should be listed among reasons that western civilization died," Elon tweeted in response.
The tweet has since been deleted.
Although it's not clear why he has targeted Mackenzie, Elon has frequently criticised initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In January he wrote: "DEI is just another word for racism. Shame on anyone who uses it."
Since divorcing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Mackenzie – who received $38,3 billion (about R689bn) in Amazon stock following their split – has been on a mission to give away most of her wealth to charitable organisations.
According to her official website, she has already donated more than $16,5 million (R297m) to about 1 900 non-profit organisations.
The same year her marriage ended, she signed the Giving Pledge, a promise by the world's wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.
“I have no doubt that tremendous value comes when people act quickly on the impulse to give. No drive has more positive ripple effects than the desire to be of service,” Mackenzie wrote in her pledge.
“There are lots of resources each of us can pull from our safes to share with others – time, attention, knowledge, patience, creativity, talent, effort, humor, compassion.”
Mackenzie has since donated to organisations that tackle health equity, racial equality, affordable housing, education and gender equality.
It's not the first time Elon has criticised Mackenzie. In 2022, she spent nine months giving away $3,8 billion (R68.4bn) to 465 non-profit organisations – and he once again had something to say.
“It’s safe to say Mackenzie [ahem] Scott is not exactly a big fan of her ex-husband,” he tweeted at the time. “Unfortunately, a lot of others are getting caught in the crossfire.”
He also claimed the Democratic Party was unfair to his companies, Tesla and Space X, because Mackenzie was giving money to certain charities that are aligned with the party.
“I support free speech, but not any one candidate. In fact, I gave money to and voted for Hillary & then voted for Biden,” he tweeted at the time.
“However, given unprovoked attacks by leading Democrats against me & a very cold shoulder to Tesla & SpaceX, I intend to vote Republican in November.”
Mackenzie hasn't responded to his online comments.
SOURCES: CNN.COM, BUSINESSINSIDER.COM, MEDIUM.COM, NYPOST.COM
