Social media giant X is facing growing advertiser pullback after a wave of brand boycotts linked to statements made by its owner. A report from The New York Times cites an internal company document indicating the platform could see a substantial decline in ad revenue by year’s end if brands do not resume spending. The NYT notes that as many as 200 advertisers might suspend campaigns, depending on how the company moves forward with its messaging and policy changes.
According to X’s sales team, the potential loss described could materialize by year-end if advertisers remain wary and do not reengage. The publication emphasizes that the outcome hinges on future advertiser confidence and the platform’s ability to reassure partners about brand safety and content moderation standards.
In a separate thread of events, Elon Musk faced criticism after defending mainstream claims that some Jewish communities have fueled hostility toward white people. He later drew further scrutiny for comments perceived as anti-Semitic by critics and several public figures. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates publicly challenged the messaging, urging a reconsideration of the rhetoric and its impact on public discourse.
Major American media groups responded to the controversy by pausing advertising on X. Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, and Lionsgate joined a growing list of studios opting to suspend, while others such as Apple, Walt Disney, and IBM reportedly followed in similar fashion. The actions reflect a broader concern within the advertising ecosystem about alignment with brand values and the potential risk to corporate reputations when partnering with social platforms amid controversial statements.
A veteran journalist later observed that Musk sometimes enters what was described as a demonic mode, a characterization that underscored the charged atmosphere surrounding the platform and its leadership. This portrayal highlights the intensified scrutiny from media observers and industry critics as X navigates a period of high visibility and volatile advertiser sentiment.