In what can only be described as the latest chapter in Elon Musk’s ongoing saga of Twitter provocations (or should we call it X provocations now?), the tech billionaire has once again managed to dominate headlines with a comment that has Swifties and football fans scratching their heads.
During an offhand exchange on his social media platform, Musk claimed he’d “rather drink sewer water” than endure a Taylor Swift Super Bowl halftime performance.
Yes, you read that right. The man who sent a car into space, renamed his child X Æ A-12, and buys companies like the rest of us buy coffee, is now turning his attention to critiquing potential Super Bowl entertainment—in his own unique way, of course.
The comment came after rumors swirled that Taylor Swift might be the NFL’s top pick for next year’s halftime show. While many celebrated the idea of the global superstar gracing the stage, Musk apparently felt it was his civic duty to chime in with his unfiltered opinion. Because clearly, what the world needs most is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX weighing in on pop music.
Naturally, Swift’s legion of die-hard fans, lovingly known as Swifties, wasted no time firing back. Within hours, Twitter (sorry, X) was flooded with memes, clapbacks, and even calls for a Taylor Swift-themed boycott of Tesla. Because nothing says “clapback culture” like trading in your electric vehicle to defend the honor of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”
While Musk didn’t elaborate on his disdain for Swift’s music, his dramatic sewer water analogy—a vivid image we frankly didn’t need—is just the latest example of his flair for hyperbole. Critics have noted that it’s an odd choice for someone who recently praised Swift’s “entertaining” presence on social media. Consistency, apparently, is not high on the billionaire’s list of priorities.
But let’s not forget, Musk is no stranger to ruffling feathers in pop culture. This is the same man who hosted Saturday Night Live and gave us a painfully awkward rendition of Wario. Perhaps he’s still bitter that his sketch comedy career didn’t catapult him to pop icon status. Or maybe he just has a thing against chart-topping singers who can sell out stadiums in seconds.
As for Taylor Swift? She hasn’t publicly acknowledged Musk’s comments, but given her track record, we wouldn’t be surprised if a new song titled “Sewer Water” mysteriously appeared on her next album. After all, if there’s anyone who knows how to turn criticism into art (and platinum records), it’s her.
In the meantime, the world waits to see if Musk’s comments will have any real impact. Will the NFL rethink their choice for halftime entertainment? Will Tesla stocks plummet as Swifties revolt? Or will this just be another fleeting moment of online chaos in the Muskiverse?
One thing is certain: if Taylor Swift does end up performing at the Super Bowl, Elon Musk’s beverage of choice that evening is sure to become a meme-worthy topic. Cheers to that.