Hollywood icon William Shatner has come out in defence of Elon Musk amid an ongoing controversy over a gesture the tech billionaire made during Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
A brief video clip had gone viral after it showed Musk lifting his right arm from chest level in a stiff, straight gesture and saying, “My heart goes out to you.” Critics online slammed the move as a Nazi-style salute, sparking outrage, especially in Germany. The footage was reportedly filmed during a factory tour on January 20, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
However, the 'Star Trek' actor, who is also Jewish, dismissed the accusations in a post on X.
“I’m a Jew who lived during the time of Nazi Germany in Canada. Do you think that if I believed even for a second that was an homage to Hitler or the Nazis that I would communicate with him; let alone follow him?” Shatner wrote.
The comment came in response to a user on X who asked, “You don’t think Elon was doing a Nazi salute?”
Musk has repeatedly denied that the gesture was meant as a salute, calling it “media propaganda.” Supporters of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO argue that the video was taken out of context and that the movement was likely just an awkward wave or misunderstood motion.
While the Anti-Defamation League also weighed in calling the action “an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” critics and historians have warned it could encourage far-right groups. Social media platforms have since been flooded with posts either condemning or mocking the gesture.
Shatner and Musk have a history of friendly social media exchanges. The two once joked about Pluto’s status as a planet, with Musk backing Shatner’s campaign to reinstate it. Musk has also expressed admiration for the veteran actor and self-described “Star Trek” fan.
Online, Shatner’s blunt defence of Musk has earned him praise from some users, with many calling him “based” for standing by his convictions.
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