‘A Disgraceful Smear’: Wes Streeting Slams Elon Musk For Calling Jess Phillips A ‘Rape Apologist’

‘A Disgraceful Smear’: Wes Streeting Slams Elon Musk Over ‘Rape Apologist’ Accusation Against Jess Phillips

Labour MP Wes Streeting has publicly condemned billionaire Elon Musk for calling fellow Labour MP Jess Phillips a “rape apologist” in a social media post that has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. The incendiary comment from Musk, made on X (formerly Twitter), has been labeled a “disgraceful smear” by Streeting, who demanded an immediate retraction and apology from the Tesla CEO.

The Controversy Unfolds

The dispute began when Musk, known for his provocative online presence, commented on Phillips’ parliamentary record regarding women’s rights and safety. Musk’s post alleged that Phillips downplayed serious issues surrounding sexual violence and used the term “rape apologist,” a claim widely criticized as baseless and inflammatory.

Jess Phillips, a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual violence and the shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, has spent her career championing the rights of women and marginalized groups. Musk’s accusation drew swift condemnation from political figures, activists, and Phillips’ supporters, who argued that the claim undermines her long-standing commitment to addressing violence against women.

Wes Streeting Fires Back

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary and a prominent figure in the Labour Party, was among the first to leap to Phillips’ defense. In a series of posts on X, Streeting denounced Musk’s remarks as an “outrageous and disgraceful smear” against a woman who has dedicated her life to advocating for survivors.

“Jess Phillips has done more for survivors of sexual violence in a day than Elon Musk has in his lifetime,” Streeting wrote. “His baseless attack is not only defamatory but a gross insult to all women fighting for safety and justice. Musk must retract his statement and apologize immediately.”

Streeting also criticized the broader culture of online abuse, saying, “This kind of rhetoric only emboldens trolls and perpetuates a toxic environment where women in public life are constantly targeted.”

Support for Jess Phillips

The controversy has galvanized support for Jess Phillips, with many pointing to her tireless advocacy for women’s rights. Phillips is well-known for her annual speeches in Parliament reading out the names of women killed by male violence, a sobering reminder of the ongoing epidemic of violence against women in the UK.

Social media users flooded to Phillips’ defense, with hashtags like #StandWithJess and #StopTheSmears trending. Prominent figures, including activists and public officials, have called Musk’s comments “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” accusing him of using his platform to spread misinformation.

Musk’s Response

As of now, Elon Musk has not responded to the backlash or provided evidence to substantiate his claim. Critics argue that Musk, who has a history of making controversial and often unfounded statements online, is using his platform irresponsibly.

Musk’s ownership of X has also come under scrutiny, with many accusing the billionaire of failing to address the platform’s role in amplifying online abuse and harassment.

The Bigger Picture

This incident highlights the growing challenges faced by women in politics, who are often subjected to disproportionate levels of online abuse and misinformation. Jess Phillips herself has spoken about the harassment she has endured throughout her career, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence women in public life.

Streeting and other Labour MPs have called for greater accountability for public figures who engage in smear campaigns, urging social media platforms to take a stronger stance against harassment.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s comments about Jess Phillips