Elon Musk - Mark Zuckerberg: Battle of the Billionaires

The conflict between Tesla and Facebook CEOs has been simmering for years, before turning into a martial arts challenge a few days ago.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been making headlines in recent days for challenging Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg. The incident stemmed from the news that Meta Platforms was preparing to launch Threads, a Twitter competitor. Musk then expressed concern that the world would be controlled by Zuckerberg.

When a Twitter user warned Musk that Zuckerberg was interested in martial arts, he responded: “I’m ready to fight if he wants.” On June 22, Zuckerberg wrote on Instagram: “Give me the address.” Musk then suggested a location in Las Vegas.

Even if the two billionaires don’t actually meet in the ring, the latest development underscores the growing competition for business interests, especially in the battle for social media advertising revenue.

Analysts say it’s too early to tell whether Meta and Twitter will spark a brand war like the Ford-Chevrolet and Coke-Pepsi wars of the last century. But it’s clear that the bosses of these companies are ready for a fight.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the conflict between Musk and Zuckerberg has been simmering for years. Both have often publicly expressed opposing views on AI (artificial intelligence) and many other topics.

In private conversations, the WSJ sources said, they also complained about each other. Musk, who is always short of cash, thinks Zuckerberg is making money from software too easily, while he is struggling with electric cars and rockets. Zuckerberg, in turn, wants to be admired for his creativity, like Musk.

Elon Musk (left) and Mark Zuckerberg. Photo: Reuters/AP — Elon Musk (left) and Mark Zuckerberg. Photo: *Reuters/AP*

Signs of conflict between the two billionaires emerged in 2016, when SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, was tasked with launching a satellite into space to help Facebook provide internet service in sub-Saharan Africa. However, an explosion on the ground during a test launch destroyed both the rocket and the satellite, putting Zuckerberg’s ambitions on hold.

“I was disappointed to hear that SpaceX’s failed launch destroyed our satellite, which could have provided connectivity to many people and entrepreneurs in Africa,” he wrote.

A year later, they were arguing about artificial intelligence again. In a video posted to Facebook, Zuckerberg said: “With AI, I’m really optimistic. I think the naysayers are trying to paint a doomsday scenario. I don’t really get it. It’s so negative and irresponsible.”

Musk later responded on Twitter: “I’ve talked to Mark about this. His understanding of the field is quite limited.” Musk has frequently expressed concerns about AI, saying in March that he was “stressed by AI.”

In 2018, when Meta was embroiled in a data breach scandal and faced a wave of account deletions, Musk also tweeted about the issue. Tesla and SpaceX – companies he is CEO of – also deleted their Facebook accounts. "Facebook scares me," Musk wrote.

In early 2020, Musk continued to call for Facebook to be deleted. This move came after British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen called on Facebook to strengthen its content moderation regulations.

The two billionaires have also sparred with many others. Musk is famous for using Twitter to mock billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett. However, he has never proposed a duel with them.

Zuckerberg has complained for years about Apple CEO Tim Cook’s public comments that are unfavorable to Facebook. Apple’s changes to its privacy settings have also made it harder for the social network to monetize user data.

The developments in the past few days have extended a years-long feud between Musk and Zuckerberg. Product chief Chris Cox said this month that Threads was inspired by users who wanted a “healthily regulated” social media platform. That’s reminiscent of Twitter.

Since taking over Twitter last October, Musk has faced a number of challenges, including clients pulling their advertising due to concerns about the platform’s volatility. In response, Musk said the changes he made at Twitter were only aimed at reducing costs to avoid bankruptcy.

He asserted that the company is on track to have positive cash flow. Linda Yaccarino – a veteran director in the advertising industry in the world, was also chosen by him as CEO of Twitter to improve customer relations.

Now, as Internet users become increasingly interested in the fight between the two billionaires, Maye Musk – the mother of the electric car billionaire – is having to find a way to calm the situation. On June 22, she offered a solution: "Just have a verbal fight. Sit on the couch, 1.2 meters apart. Whoever is funnier wins."

Musk, however, seemed unconcerned. He responded to the cheers. “If my competitor accepts, I’m ready to go public,” he said.

Ha Thu (according to WSJ)

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