The internet lit up this weekend after renowned author Joyce Carol Oates publicly roasted Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a viral exchange that showcased Oates’ sharp wit and Musk’s thin skin. The incident, first reported by AV Club, has since spiraled into one of the most talked-about online moments of November 2025.
Joyce Carol Oates Calls Out Musk’s “Lack of Humanity”
Oates, known for her unfiltered commentary and literary precision, took aim at Musk after a post showing him defending Tesla online. Her response cut deep:
“So curious that such a wealthy man never posts anything that indicates that he enjoys or is even aware of what virtually everyone appreciates—scenes from nature, pet dog or cat, praise for a movie, music, a book (but doubt that he reads)… In fact he seems totally uneducated, uncultured. The poorest persons on Twitter may have access to more beauty and meaning in life than the ‘most wealthy person in the world.’”
Her critique highlighted what she described as Musk’s emotional emptiness and cultural detachment, questioning how someone with “unlimited resources” could show so little appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Musk Fires Back, But the Internet Takes Oates’ Side
Musk didn’t stay silent. The billionaire hit back on his own platform, calling Oates “a liar” and claiming she “delights in being mean.” He added another jab, writing:
“Eating a bag of sawdust would be vastly more enjoyable than reading the laboriously pretentious drivel of Oates.”
Despite his efforts to mock the author, Musk’s response only fueled the backlash. Social media users quickly sided with Joyce Carol Oates, applauding her fearless takedown of one of the world’s most powerful men. “She roasted him with a pen sharper than any rocket,” one user commented.
Oates Clarifies Her Intent — and Doubles Down
When asked about her comments, Oates explained that her remarks were made out of curiosity, not cruelty.
“Why a person with unlimited resources exhibits so little appreciation or even awareness of the things that most people value as giving meaning to life,” she wrote in a follow-up post.
She continued by contrasting Musk’s behavior with that of ordinary citizens who “donate to charities, local museums, and libraries” despite having far fewer resources.
In another post, however, Oates gave Musk a small nod of acknowledgment:
“It is impressive that Elon Musk allows critical commentary of himself on X. That is not usually a magnanimity of spirit commensurate with the extreme type of non-empathetic person.”
Her comment, while faintly complimentary, still carried a satirical undertone that kept social media buzzing.
Internet Reactions: “Joyce 1 – Elon 0”
Within hours, Oates’ comments were shared across platforms, sparking debates about wealth, empathy, and the cult of tech billionaires. Memes, think pieces, and reaction threads flooded X, Reddit, and TikTok, turning the exchange into a cultural event.
Critics applauded Oates for using her platform to humanize a broader discussion about privilege and personality in the tech elite. Others saw it as a refreshing reminder that wit and intellect can still stand tall against influence and power.
The Bigger Picture
This episode underscores the changing tone of online discourse — especially on X, where public figures often face instant accountability for their behavior. Oates’ unflinching critique resonates in an era where the line between innovation and arrogance often blurs in the tech industry.
While Musk continues to dominate headlines for his ventures at Tesla, SpaceX, and X itself, Oates’ remarks highlight an enduring truth: humanity, empathy, and culture can’t be bought — not even by the world’s richest man.
Conclusion
The viral spat between Joyce Carol Oates and Elon Musk has become a defining online moment of 2025 — part literary takedown, part cultural mirror. Whether you see it as playful criticism or a profound social commentary, one thing is clear: Joyce Carol Oates didn’t just tweet; she taught a masterclass in verbal precision.For more trending stories on culture, tech, and digital society, visit StartupNews.fyi.
