Elon Musk, who is the world’s richest man, recently sparked controversy with his ‘UK grooming gang’ comments directly aimed at PM Keir Starmer. He said that the Labour government has set the country ablaze in a heated political debate. His comments, shared on social media, reminded everybody of sensitive topics such as grooming gangs and institutional failings to prevent child exploitation.
On New Year’s Day, Musk alleged Keir Starmer had ignored grooming gang cases while in the role of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013. He claimed the leadership of Starmer at CPS let “rape gangs” use their position of power to get away with gang-raping young girls.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk also criticized Jess Phillips, the UK’s safeguarding minister, for dismissing calls for a public inquiry into grooming cases in Oldham. He accused her of shielding Starmer and described the rejection of a broader investigation as a “cover-up.” Musk called for a new public inquiry and demanded immediate elections, going so far as to label Phillips a “rape genocide apologist.”
Within hours, labor leaders dismissed all of Musk’s claims. According to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Musk’s comments were “ill-informed.” Political allies of Starmer pointed out reforms he made in 2013 as the DPP while handling child exploitation cases.
Political Fallout over UK Grooming Gang, Elon Musk Adds Fire to Controversy
The grooming gang issue has been an extremely sensitive matter in the UK for a very long time. High-profile investigations in towns such as Rotherham and Rochdale unearthed widespread child sexual abuse and were often found to be systemic failures by law enforcement authorities and local governing bodies. Critics said that the failure to act on the offenders came from the apprehension of labeling someone racist, most of whom happen to be South Asian.
Musk’s recent comments have not only been an over-justification of the far-right media but also helped in fueling a controversy among people after declaring his support to jailed agitator Tommy Robinson.
In an unexpected twist, Musk also criticized Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s anti-immigration Reform UK party, saying, “Farage doesn’t have what it takes” to lead. This follows reports of potential financial backing from Musk to Reform UK, which Farage has since denied.
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