Nazi salute: Elon Musk's effigy hanged in the square at Milan where Benito Mussolini's corpse was displayed

A chilling effigy of Elon Musk was strung up in the same square where Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini's body was hanged following his execution.

Did Musk’s Gesture Fuel Controversy?

According to the Italian agency ANSA, protesters from the left-wing communist collective known as 'Cambiare Rotta', which translates to 'Change Course', erected the effigy of the world's richest man in Milan's Piazzale Loreto and posted an image of it on social media with the caption "There's always room at Piazzale Loreto, Elon,” as quoted in a report by The Daily Star.

According to Euro News, the group has gained notoriety in Italy for taking strong stances on important topics, including chanting pro-Hezbollah slogans.


Musk has made a number of controversial, sometimes untrue, remarks and supported several far-right parties in Europe on his social media app X.

Hate-speech watchdogs have criticized Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist," for letting dangerous, anti-Semitic, and extremist remarks proliferate on the social media site.

He has demanded the release of Tommy Robinson, a British far-right agitator, loudmouth, and idiot.
Although Elon Musk's purpose was unclear, right-wing extremists were applauding his straight-arm gesture during a speech on Monday.

In reference to Donald Trump's win in the US presidential election, Musk said in a speech on Monday that he just wants to say thank you for making it happen. Subsequently, he placed his hand on his chest and raised his arm straight out and upward, palm down.

He faced the opposite direction and made a similar gesture. My thoughts and prayers are with you, he said. The gesture appeared to be a Nazi salute, according to many social media users.

A branch of the white nationalist organization White Lives Matter wrote on Telegram, "The White Flame will rise again."

On his social media platform X, Musk has taken aim at his detractors, saying that the "everyone is Hitler" attack is so incredibly tiresome.

Extremism watchdogs and experts pointed out it was unclear what Musk was trying to convey to the crowd of Trump supporters during his speech by thrusting his arm out.

The Anti-Defamation League, an antisemitism and human rights watchdog, described it as an “awkward gesture” and urged caution in jumping to conclusions. They noted Musk specifically said his heart went out to the crowd, which could indicate a sort of gesture of thanks to them.

FAQs

Why did an effigy of Elon Musk hang in Piazzale Loreto?
The communist group 'Cambiare Rotta' protested Musk's controversial actions and alleged support for far-right ideologies by hanging his effigy in Milan's historic square.

What sparked the controversy over Musk's gesture during his speech?
During a speech, Musk made a gesture that many saw as a Nazi salute, prompting criticism. However, watchdog groups cautioned that it was most likely an awkward or misinterpreted act of gratitude.