BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk Blocks Disney Pride Content on X, Says “Woke” Is Not for Kids
*San Francisco, CA – February 27, 2025, 10:15 AM PST* – In a bold and controversial move, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, announced Thursday that he has blocked all Disney Pride-related content on X, declaring that “Woke is not for kids.” The decision has triggered a firestorm of backlash, pitting Musk’s growing influence against Disney’s vast media empire and sparking a heated debate over free speech, corporate responsibility and cultural values.
The announcement came via a series of posts on X on Thursday morning, where Musk, to his 200 million followers, wrote: “Disney’s push for ‘Woke’ content, especially their Pride campaigns, has no place on X. It’s not for kids, and it’s not what our platform stands for. Effective immediately, all Disney Pride content is blocked.” He followed up with a thread explaining his position, accusing Disney of “indoctrinating young audiences” with its LGBTQ+-inclusive programming and marketing, particularly during Pride Month celebrations.
The move targets Disney’s annual Pride campaigns, which include rainbow-themed merchandise, TV specials and social media posts promoting inclusion and diversity. These initiatives, a pillar of Disney’s brand since 2017, have been both praised for their representation and criticized by conservative groups for being overly “woke.” Musk’s action specifically affects Disney-related accounts on X, including the official @Disney account, which has been actively sharing Pride content in preparation for Pride Month in June 2025.
Disney responded quickly, issuing a statement Thursday morning: “We are deeply disappointed by Elon Musk’s decision to censor our Pride content on X. Our commitment to inclusion and representation is unwavering, and we will explore all options to ensure our voice and the voices of our community are heard.” This is an attack on diversity and freedom of expression.” Sources close to Disney have hinted at possible legal action, citing X’s terms of service and arguing that Musk’s unilateral decision violates the platform’s neutrality.
The controversy has divided public opinion. Musk’s supporters, many of whom align with his libertarian and anti-establishment views, have flooded X with comments such as “Finally, someone taking a stand against Disney’s ‘Woke’ agenda! Kids don’t need this” and “Elon is right – X should be a safe space, not a propaganda machine.” However, others have condemned Musk’s move as censorship and hypocrisy, with one user writing: “Elon talks about free speech but blocks content he doesn’t like? That’s a double standard.”
Prominent LGBTQ+ advocates and Disney fans also spoke out, with actor and activist Billy Porter tweeting: “Elon Musk’s actions are a slap in the face to the millions of people who rely on Disney’s Pride initiatives for visibility. This isn’t leadership — it’s bigotry.” Meanwhile, conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson praised Musk, calling it “a victory for common sense” on his X account.
Musk’s decision appears to stem from a personal feud with Disney that escalated in late 2024 when Disney CEO Bob Iger publicly criticized Musk’s political views and influence on X, especially after Musk endorsed controversial far-right figures. Tensions boiled over in January 2025 when actor Alec Baldwin, appearing on Disney’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, called Musk a “self-obsessed tech tyrant.” Musk retaliated by threatening to pull Tesla ads from Disney’s platforms, a move that reportedly cost Disney tens of millions of dollars in revenue.
This is Musk’s most direct action against Disney to date, leveraging his control over X to push his views. Critics argue that Musk’s definition of “woke” is vague and subjective, potentially paving the way for broader restrictions on content on X. “If Elon can block Disney Pride content, what’s next? Political content that he doesn’t like? That sets a dangerous precedent,” digital rights advocate Sarah Kessler said in an interview with CNN.
X’s user base, already polarized by Musk’s leadership since he acquired the platform in 2022, is reacting with a mix of support and outrage. The hashtag #SupportElon has been trending alongside #BoycottX, with users debating whether Musk’s actions align with his stated mission of free speech or contradict it. Some X advertisers, including major brands like Coca-Cola, have expressed concern, with one executive telling Reuters: “We are monitoring the situation closely. This could impact our advertising strategy on X if the platform becomes a place of unilateral censorship.”
Disney, meanwhile, is exploring alternative platforms to promote its Pride content, including TikTok and Instagram, while also considering legal challenges against X. A Disney spokesperson confirmed that the company is in talks with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to plan a response, with possible boycotts of X being discussed.
The US government has yet to officially comment, but several lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), have spoken out. Warren called Musk’s move “a dangerous interference that undermines free speech,” while Jordan praised it as “a stand against corporate Wokeism.”
As the story unfolds, the clash between Elon Musk and Disney highlights broader cultural tensions in 2025, with “Woke” becoming a flashpoint for debates over corporate influence, parental rights, and digital platforms. X users can expect more fireworks as Musk and Disney hold their ground, with the outcome potentially reshaping the media landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this breaking story.
