Elon Musk Was Accused Of Doing A Nazi Salute At Trump's Inauguration, And Here's How His Ex Grimes Responded

Grimes, Elon Musk's ex, has responded to the backlash of his controversial hand gesture, which is going viral.

Grimes on red carpet wearing intricate, futuristic outfit with face mask and holding a book, surrounded by masked attendees
Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

On Monday, the Tesla CEO took the stage in Washington, DC's Capital One Arena, beginning his speech by saying, "Thank you for making it happen. Thank you," followed by slapping his right hand on his chest and extending it in salute.

He did the gesture again, twice. The second time, he added, "My heart goes out to you."

Elon Musk in a suit makes a dynamic gesture behind a podium featuring a presidential seal, in a setting with a starry backdrop
Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

The wealthiest man in the world received backlash for the "awkward gesture," with many people comparing it to the Nazi salute.

CNN/Twitter: @waitmanb

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The Anti-Defamation League describes the salute as a homage to Adolf Hitler, "raising an outstretched right arm with the palm down." In 1930s Nazi Germany, it was accompanied by the phrase "Sieg Heil" or "Heil Hitler." Today, white supremacists and neo-Nazis perform the salute in what the ADL calls "the most common white supremacist hand sign in the world."

A historic rally with a large crowd giving Nazi salutes in front of a stage adorned with swastikas and officials in a European town square
A historic rally with a large crowd giving Nazi salutes in front of a stage adorned with swastikas and officials in a European town square
Group of people in red shirts making controversial hand gestures during a protest with flags in the background
Group of people in red shirts making controversial hand gestures during a protest with flags in the background

Fpg / Getty Images, Stephanie Keith / Getty Images

In response to Elon's salute, the ADL posted a statement on X (which is owned by Elon) saying the Telsa CEO made "an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute" and added, "All sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath."

Musk in a suit speaks at a microphone on a blue stage with white stars, gesturing with both hands

Despite ADL's response, it didn't stop fans from coming for the Canadian singer-songwriter. Grimes and Elon had an on-and-off relationship between 2018–2023 and share three children.

Grimes and Elon Musk on a red carpet: one in a gothic-style outfit, the other in a white suit with a black shirt
Taylor Hill / Getty Images

On Tuesday, a Grimes fan account posted, "i'm more than willing so sacrifice my grimes follow and get a tattoo coverup for this btw. i'm hitting a breaking point."

Twitter: @artangelfae

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The "Oblivion" singer responded with a lengthy X post, writing, "While I deeply respect your concern- it is unhealthy that people are this upset when I have not even been online yet today and am only just learning about this controversy now. I don't know what happened and I will not make a rash statement - I am not a citizen of this country."

Grimes with long wavy hair wearing a shiny, form-fitting outfit looks over shoulder, attending a public event

The "Genesis" singer said she would "research the state of affairs tomorrow but until I do I'm not going to say something that will create an international scandal."

Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

"It's absurd that someone can be this cancelled for something their ex did before they even heard it happened," she added. "I am not him. I will not make a statement every time he does something. I can only send love back into a world that is hurting."

DJ wearing sunglasses performs energetically; long hair flowing with vibrant stage lighting in background

Grimes acknowledged the fans' concerns came from "a good place" but ultimately felt that "In a world overstimulated by scandal, I feel a moral imperative to only add to the mess when something positive can be done."

Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Coachella

When another fan urged Grimes to speak more on the matter, and denounce any hate groups, she responded, "I'm happy to denounce Nazi-ism - and the far alt right. Would that help clear things up?"

Twitter: @RealHumanNotBug

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"I've just gotten out of breakfast and have to catch a flight, and am still debating how to approach things diplomatically because I feel in over my head. But if there's concern about that, I am happy to set the record strait in a meaningful way."

Grimes performing energetically on stage, wearing a loose outfit and distinctive sunglasses, holding a microphone with hair animated and flowing
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for Coachella

In her original response, Grimes added that she could "go talk shit and be on a bunch of magazine covers and be a feminist hero and get clout - but it would serve no purpose."

Grimes with intricate metal face mask and purple, coiled hairpiece on red carpet, wearing a gown with bold tattoos

While Elon has already claimed the salute discourse is just part of "dirty tricks" against him and the ADL have labeled it a misunderstood gesture, the real dirty work is already done. We've reached the point where people are demanding his ex, Grimes, denounce hate groups, and on the other side, those same hate groups are celebrating the gesture as a moment of triumph.

Regardless of intention, you'd think the owner of one of the largest tools of virality (Elon owns X Corp.) would anticipate how this could play out in the court of public opinion.