Actress Ayo Edebiri says she got death threats and racial slurs after billionaire Elon Musk shared a false report linking her to a Pirates of the Caribbean role.
The controversy began in February 2024 when a fake news report claimed that Disney was considering Edebiri as a replacement for Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), reacted by posting, “Disney sucks.” His comment helped spread the false claim, leading to a wave of online harassment against the actress.
Edebiri speaks out on social media
Edebiri addressed the situation in a recent Instagram story. She recalled the intense backlash she faced, saying:
“Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life (idk if it’s the #1 moment, but for sure top 3) for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man. LMAO. So not only is he [Elon Musk] double Sieg Heil-ing fascist, he’s an idiot but anyway.”
Her statement highlighted the personal toll of misinformation and the power of social media to spread false narratives. She expressed frustration that a completely baseless rumor could spiral out of control and lead to real threats against her safety.
Musk’s influence on the incident
Musk’s influence played a major role in amplifying the fake report. With over 150 million followers on X, his posts reach millions within minutes. While some users quickly debunked the claim, others believed it, attacking Edebiri with racist and violent messages.
This is not the first time Musk has faced criticism for spreading misinformation. He has previously shared conspiracy theories and misleading claims, often sparking backlash. Critics argue that his position as a powerful business figure comes with a responsibility to verify information before posting.
The dangerous spread of misinformation
For Edebiri, the experience was a harsh reminder of how dangerous false reports can be. She did not audition for a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, nor was she ever in talks with Disney about the role. However, the mere suggestion of her involvement was enough to trigger widespread hate.
The situation also highlights the toxic side of online culture. Public figures, especially women and people of color, often face intense scrutiny and abuse, even over baseless rumors. Social media platforms have struggled to address this issue, as harassment continues to be a major problem.
Support and response from fans
Despite the threats, Edebiri has continued to focus on her career. She has gained widespread recognition for her work in Hollywood, starring in hit TV shows and films. Her talent and hard work have earned her critical acclaim, making her one of the industry’s rising stars.
Following the controversy, some social media users expressed support for Edebiri, condemning the attacks against her. Many called for stricter measures to prevent misinformation and online harassment.
Ongoing debate over social media responsibility
As for Musk, he has not responded to Edebiri’s comments. However, the incident adds to ongoing debates about the impact of social media, the responsibility of public figures, and the consequences of spreading false information.
The backlash against Edebiri serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread—and how real the consequences can be.
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