LeBron James Is Concerned About an Increase in Hate Speech Following Elon Musk Purchasing Twitter for $44 Billion

Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James recently discussed his concern over an uptick in hate speech ever since billionaire Elon Musk purchased Twitter.

Ever since the CEO of Space X purchased the social media site for $44 billion, there have been reports of a staggering increase in hate speech, racial slurs, Nazi memes, and more.

The Network Contagion Research Institute group told the Washington Post that the use of the N-word skyrocketed to nearly 500% ever since the transaction occurred. “Over the last 12 hours, the use of the N-word has increased nearly 500% from the previous average,” the NCRI confirmed in a tweet on Friday.

Erin Reed, an activist for transgender people, also noted an increase in LGBT hate since the Twitter takeover. “Almost immediately I noticed an increase in anti-trans harassment, it’s very visible,” Reed told The Washington Post.

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Since a Twitter user pointed out this shocking information, LeBron James voiced his disdain over the rising amounts of hate speech on the platform. “I don’t know Elon Musk and, tbh, I could care less who owns Twitter. But I will say that if this is true, I hope he and his people take this very seriously because this is scary AF,” the NBA player wrote.

I dont know Elon Musk and, tbh, I could care less who owns twitter. But I will say that if this is true, I hope he and his people take this very seriously because this is scary AF. So many damn unfit people saying hate speech is free speech. https://t.co/Sy0jvXIBnC

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 29, 2022

Musk initially promised that “free speech absolutism” would be instituted on the platform and since purchasing the website, radical hate speech immediately increased, especially with the use of antisemitic and anti-Black language. However, the CEO insisted that there will be limits in place to what can and cannot be said.

LeBron James is NOT convinced Elon Musk is the person to be running Twitter

Prior to the finalization of the purchase, he issued a public message in which he promised that Twitter will not “become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences!”

In addition, the billionaire tweeted that he plans to form a moderation council to ensure this type of speech is limited. “Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints,” he wrote on the social media platform. “No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes.”

However, until that day comes, it seems as though the use of racist, sexist, and homophobic language continues to be prevalent on the network. And, according to James, this behavior does not sit well with him. Concluding his message, the basketball legend relayed that there are, “so many damn unfit people saying hate speech is free speech.”