After 25 years of charitable giving, Melinda French Gates has cemented her reputation as a philanthropist, but she said some of her fellow billionaires aren’t worthy of that title, despite what they say.
In an interview with the New York Times Sunday, French Gates specifically commented on the charitable giving of billionaires like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, Block CEO Jack Dorsey, PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
They use their voice and they use their megaphones, but I would not call those men philanthropists,” French Gates said.
Dorsey did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent through Block.
Even Ackman and Musk, who have signed the Giving Pledge promising to give away most of their assets, still have work to do, she said, and while each of the billionaires has his own foundation, French Gates said they “have not been very philanthropic yet.”
“Go look at their record of actually giving money to society. It’s not big,” she said.
Ackman did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to the Pershing Square Foundation. Musk did not reply to a request for comment sent to Tesla.
The billionaires, French Gates told the Times, also don’t measure up to the impact that she and her ex-husband Bill Gates, along with Warren Buffett, have made through their decades of altruism.
“So you put Bill and me and Warren in a class of philanthropists doing things in a certain way, but I don’t think you can then say, ‘OK, well, let’s compare to this group over here who are nonphilanthropists.’ Those are nonphilanthropists, in my opinion,” she added.
French Gates cofounded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, soon to be renamed the Gates Foundation, in 2000, and since then she and her now ex-husband have become the face of philanthropy worldwide. Before she announced in May she was leaving the foundation, she helped oversee more than $77 billion in grant payments to worthy causes over two decades, according to its website.
For their part, the billionaires French Gates called “nonphilantropists” have done plenty of giving in their own way, although some of their causes have been criticized.
Thiel and his foundation are most known for supporting science and entrepreneurship, including through the Thiel Fellowship, a two-year program that gives $100,000 to young people willing to delay or leave college “to build new things.” Some of the program’s most successful alumni include Vitalik Buterin, the creator of the Ethereum blockchain, and Dylan Field, the founder of product design platform Figma.
Breaking News: Taylor Swift Takes a Stand Against Elon Musk, Igniting a Social Media Frenzy
In an unexpected and headline-grabbing move, pop superstar Taylor Swift has launched a direct and public critique of tech billionaire Elon Musk. This confrontation, sparked by Swift’s dissatisfaction with Musk’s recent behavior on social media, has ignited a social media storm and captured widespread attention.
Taylor Swift’s Public Criticism
The drama unfolded when Swift took to her social media platforms to respond to comments and actions by Musk that she found to be mocking. In a series of posts, Swift did not mince words, labeling Musk as “petty” and questioning his integrity. She described him as “talented but lacking integrity,” a statement that has resonated deeply with her fans and sparked a larger conversation.
Swift’s remarks are particularly notable given her significant influence and public persona. Known for her outspoken nature and commitment to various causes, Swift’s decision to publicly challenge Musk highlights her willingness to use her platform for more than just promoting her music.
The Context of the Dispute
To fully grasp the implications of this public spat, it is essential to understand the background. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is renowned for his high-profile presence on social media, where he often shares his thoughts on a range of topics, from technology to politics. His tweets and statements are frequently controversial, earning both praise and criticism.
Taylor Swift, in contrast, has built a reputation not only for her music but also for her advocacy on various social issues. Her decision to address Musk’s actions publicly underscores a broader trend where influential figures from different sectors engage in public debates.
Social Media Reaction and Public Sentiment
Swift’s comments have triggered an intense reaction across social media platforms. Fans of the singer have rallied around her, expressing support and amplifying the hashtag #TaylorSwiftVsElonMusk. This hashtag quickly trended worldwide, reflecting the substantial impact of Swift’s critique.
On the other hand, Musk’s supporters have come to his defense, arguing that his achievements in technology and space exploration should overshadow any personal criticisms. Some have suggested that Musk’s behavior is often taken out of context, implying that Swift’s remarks might stem from personal disagreements rather than substantive issues.
Implications for Celebrity and Public Discourse
This exchange between Swift and Musk highlights several important trends in modern public discourse. It underscores the significant role that social media plays in shaping perceptions and facilitating direct interactions between public figures. The ability of celebrities to influence public opinion through their platforms is more pronounced than ever, and this incident exemplifies how quickly a situation can escalate in the digital age.
Furthermore, the confrontation illustrates the growing trend of high-profile individuals from different fields engaging in public debates. These interactions can have far-reaching effects on their careers and public images, offering a glimpse into the power dynamics at play in contemporary society.
What’s Next for Swift and Musk?
As this public feud continues to unfold, the next steps for both Taylor Swift and Elon Musk will be closely watched. Will Musk address the accusations made by Swift, or will he choose to remain silent? How will this clash affect their public personas and professional trajectories? These questions remain open as the story develops.
In the meantime, the ongoing discussion among Swift’s supporters and Musk’s defenders is likely to persist, with both sides presenting their perspectives and arguments. This high-profile exchange between two influential figures offers valuable insights into the complexities of modern celebrity culture and the power of social media in shaping public discourse.
Stay tuned for further updates as this compelling story continues to evolve.
