Elon Musk Criticizes Reports Linking Starlink to Amazon Tribe’s Pornography Usage

Elon Musk responded to recent allegations that Starlink was responsible for a remote Amazon tribe’s purported pornographic addiction. The debate started when journalist Jack Nicas wrote a piece for the New York Times explaining how the Marubo tribe in Brazil had become divided when Starlink internet connection was introduced. Some young people in the 2000-member tribe started posting pornographic material on private chat rooms, so the tale goes.

On June 11 the New York Times released a correction after extensive coverage and false headlines from other news sources. Contrary to earlier assumption, they stressed that the Marubo tribe is not addicted to pornography. The story made clear that although a Marubo leader had expressed worries about youngsters exchanging graphic material, this did not suggest a general addiction.

Regarding the matter, Elon Musk responded by expressing his displeasure on X, a forum renowned for lively debates. Musk blasted the NYT for its original deceptive representation and posted a screenshot of their correction. He called the way the NYT portrayed the tribe cruel and insulting.

Musk and the New York Times have had arguments in the past as well. He had before called the newspaper’s substance dull propaganda and attacked them for its position on paying for Twitter Blue. His most recent remarks highlight the continuous hostilities between Musk and the media, especially with reference to how Starlink’s effects on indigenous populations are portrayed.