Sources familiar with the transaction indicate that Musk completed the purchase “within 72 hours” of Baldwin’s remarks, voicing his discontent with what he termed “a legacy media network tainting public discourse with trivial celebrity drama.” In a characteristically enigmatic post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated:
“If someone insults you on live TV… why not just buy the whole network and fire them? #Efficiency.”
A Billionaire’s Vendetta, or a Tactical Decision?
The acquisition, which has been validated by both Musk’s holding company X Holdings and Disney in a collaborative announcement, encompasses complete rights to ABC’s television and streaming properties, in addition to partial interests in its news division. Musk refrained from directly addressing whether The View had a role in the acquisition, but insiders suggest that the show was “certainly on his mind.”
Baldwin, who frequently appears as a guest and sometimes co-hosts on The View, had sharply criticized Musk during a conversation regarding tech billionaires and their social responsibilities. His comment, branding Musk “a scumbag with rockets,” quickly gained traction online.
While the insult may have targeted Musk’s contentious management approach or divisive public persona, few anticipated that the billionaire would react with such theatricality.
“Most individuals respond on Twitter,” quipped a Hollywood insider. “Elon responds by purchasing your employer.”
Reactions to the announcement have been predictably divided. Supporters of Musk have celebrated the action as a strategic maneuver against what they perceive as a “biased media.” On social media, hashtags such as #ScumbagRevenge and #MuskTakesABC gained traction within hours of the news.
Conversely, others view it as yet another concerning instance of a billionaire exerting disproportionate influence over public platforms. “We’re witnessing democracy transform into a reality show,” tweeted a media critic.
Alec Baldwin himself released a statement expressing that he had “no regrets” regarding his remarks and that he hoped ABC would “uphold its integrity under its new ownership, however unlikely that may be.”
The Bigger Picture
This recent spectacle is merely one in a series of surprising business choices made by Musk. From introducing flamethrowers under The Boring Company brand to rebranding Twitter as X, he has established himself not only as a technological innovator but also as a disruptor of culture and media.
“Some regard Elon as a visionary, while others see him as a chaos agent,” remarked media analyst Janine Koh. “But whether it involves cars, rockets, or now morning talk shows, he consistently refuses to adhere to conventional norms. That can be either visionary—or alarming.”
Regarding future plans, Musk has already suggested more extensive ambitions. “This is merely the initial step,” he posted on X. “We intend to create something superior to cable news. Stay tuned.”
And with that, the world anticipates the outcome when one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet acquires not only airtime—but the very platform where he faced criticism.
