Talulah Riley, the British actress and ex-wife of Elon Musk, reportedly encouraged him to buy and delete Twitter. Riley, who was married to Musk twice between 2010 and 2016, expressed frustration with the platform’s negative impact on public discourse. She believed Twitter had become toxic and suggested that Musk should take control of it.
According to messages revealed in court documents, Riley texted Musk in early 2022, urging him to purchase the social media giant and shut it down. She argued that Twitter was filled with censorship and unnecessary restrictions. Riley, a vocal advocate for free speech, felt that the platform was harming open discussions.
Musk, already a frequent critic of Twitter, seemed to take her suggestion seriously. A few months later, he launched a bid to acquire the company for $44 billion. However, instead of deleting it, Musk aimed to transform Twitter into a space for free speech.
After finalizing the deal in October 2022, Musk introduced major changes, including layoffs, new policies, and a rebranding to “X.” While he did not delete the platform, he implemented significant reforms. It remains unclear whether Riley still believes Twitter should be removed entirely.
Her suggestion highlights the ongoing debate over social media’s role in society. Should platforms like Twitter be reformed or completely erased? Musk’s ownership continues to shape the platform’s future, making Riley’s original idea a thought-provoking topic.
