Elon Musk Faces Accusations of Spreading “Dangerous” Misinformation Regarding Netflix’s Adolescence

Recently launched on March 13, 2025, the Netflix series Adolescence has quickly ascended to the top of streaming charts, garnering the accolade of being “the best TV show of 2025″according to some critics. However, this title hasn’t escaped controversy, particularly regarding remarks made by tech mogul Elon Musk, who faces backlash for allegedly spreading “dangerous” misinformation about the series.

The show, while fictional, draws inspiration from alarming real-world issues, specifically shedding light on the troubling trend of young men engaging in knife-related violence, a phenomenon frequently discussed in online circles, including the manosphere. Co-writer and lead actor Stephen Graham clarified that the narrative aims to highlight these critical societal discussions rather than assign blame to individuals or groups.

Elon Musk’s Misguided Comments on Adolescence

The tension escalated when Musk reacted to a tweet from right-wing journalist Ian Miles Cheong, who falsely asserted that Adolescence was directly inspired by the tragic Southport attacks in the UK from 2024. Musk’s succinct “Wow”response attracted significant attention, raising eyebrows about his acknowledgment of misinformation.

Wow

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2025

The Southport incident involved a young perpetrator targeting a dance workshop, tragically resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries to ten others. Prior to this event, misinformation circulated wildly on social media platforms, with false reports about the attacker’s background fueling subsequent riots throughout England.

Despite the show going into production prior to the Southport incident, Cheong’s misinformation continues to mislead the public. He falsely claimed that the plot centers around a “British knife killer, ”making incendiary remarks about the representation of the character. In a tweet, he stated:

“Netflix has a show called Adolescence that’s about a British knife killer who stabbed a girl to death on a bus and it’s based on real life cases such as the Southport murderer. So guess what. They race swapped the actual killer from a black man/migrant to a white boy and the story has it so he was radicalized online by the red pill movement. Just the absolute state of anti-white propaganda.”

Musk’s reaction has amassed over 308, 000 views and 12, 000 likes to date, stirring a significant dialogue. Many users have chastised Cheong’s propagation of falsehoods, while also questioning Musk’s credibility for not verifying the accuracy of the claims before engaging.

Jamie looks concerned at his father Eddie while being questioned in prison in Adolescence — Netflix

Critics have remarked, “All of that is not true, ” urging Musk to reconsider the validity of viral posts prior to reacting. Moreover, discussions have highlighted that youth violence is a complex issue fueled by factors such as bullying, online hate, social media misinformation, and the broader societal discourse on masculinity. In one reaction, a user directly addressed Musk, suggesting he is echoing harmful rhetoric similar to that of other controversial figures, underscoring a concerning trend.

Elon Musk’s reckless amplification of misinformation, like the false claim that “Adolescence”is based on the Southport attack, fuels division and distorts reality. The show was in production before the incident, tackling broader issues of knife crime and incel culture, not a…

— Richard Angwin (@RichardAngwin) March 23, 2025

BBC journalist Shayan Sardarizadeh also weighed in, stating, “The amount of viral nonsense posted as news, often amplified by Elon Musk, is mind-boggling.Adolescence is not based on the Southport attack or any singular event. It was already in production and filmed well before Southport happened.”

Furthermore, multiple replies emphasized the importance of acknowledging the complexities of youth violence and the impact of social media. The misrepresentation of Adolescence detracts from broader conversations surrounding knife crime, incel culture, and the societal pressures faced by young people today.

To learn more about Adolescence, explore its filming locations, delve into character motivations, and discover why a second season may not be on the horizon.

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