SYDNEY—Elon Musk’s social media platform X defended its decision to publish posts depicting a bishop in Australia being stabbed during a sermon, citing it as part of public discussion. The platform rejected a regulator’s order to remove the content, arguing that it does not incite violence and falls within the realm of public debate.
X’s “global government affairs” account stated that the video captured by an “innocent bystander” should not be censored under Australian law, which allows content that contributes to public discourse.
The company, formerly known as Twitter and acquired by Musk in 2022, contradicted claims by Australian lawmakers that the footage could be used to recruit individuals for terrorist groups.
Despite the e-Safety Commissioner’s directive to take down the posts globally, X has challenged the order, citing issues of jurisdiction. A court has temporarily upheld the takedown order until a hearing scheduled for May 10.
The situation has led to escalating tensions between Musk and Australian officials, including the prime minister.
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He expressed his desire for the event not to be exploited for political gain, stating, “I do not wish for what has happened to me to be used as a way…to be a threat to the very human freedom and freedom of religion,” in a video shared on the Christ The Good Shepherd Church YouTube channel on April 24.
Musk recently shared posts by another user alleging that the takedown order is part of a World Economic Forum agenda to impose eSafety regulations globally. Musk endorsed the claims, drawing support from his millions of followers.
The e-Safety Commissioner has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The controversy stems from an attack on an Assyrian bishop in Sydney on April 15, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old on terrorism charges. Subsequent police actions resulted in the arrest of five other individuals, teenagers, on terrorism-related charges, including possession of extremist material.
Nina Nguyen contributed to this report.
