Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (or rather, X) has promised to bear the legal costs of anyone who has been fired due to a post published on this platform. However, this promise raises a number of questions and concerns. Especially considering the complexity of the legal dynamics and the functioning of the First Amendment in the United States. In addition to the fact that Musk also fired Twitter employees for a tweet.
Will Elon Musk pay legal fees for fired Twitter posts?
Musk stated on Twitter: “If you have been treated unfairly by your employer because of something you have posted or liked on this platform, we will fund your legal bill.” Adding: “No limits. Let us know”.
However, many observers in the United States think Musk will not deliver on what he promised. In fact, it seems hard to believe that a private company could actually offer to cover legal costs for a unlimited number of people who meet Musk’s criteria. Even considering that the value of Twitter (or X), according to Musk’s own claims, is now much less than what is paid (about 66% less).
Also, it appears Musk’s offer would apply to lawsuits filed against private companies who have fired employees for controversial online posts. However, this raises questions about the First Amendment. Which protects American citizens from censorship and oppression by the statebut not necessarily from decisions made by private companies.
Finally, Musk himself he has fired employees in the past due to their tweets critical of his management of Twitter. The Verge recalls that Musk fired Sasha Solomon, Yao Yue, Nick Robinson-Wall, Jesse Feinman, Billy Becker e Lana Nelson. Will Musk pay their legal fees too?