Apple CEO Tim Cook has admitted that he is unsure whether his company should continue to advertise on Twitter, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. Cook said that he has concerns about some of the things that happen on Twitter, especially after Musk’s recent attack on the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish advocacy group that fights against hate speech.
Cook made these remarks in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, where he discussed various topics related to Apple’s products, values, and future plans. He praised Twitter for being an important property for public discourse, but also expressed his reservations about some of its aspects.
“There are also some things about it I don’t like,” Cook said. “Twitter is an important property. It’s a town square for public discourse. But there are also some things about it I don’t like.”
Apple and Twitter have a history of conflict
This is not the first time that Apple and Twitter have clashed over their differences. In June 2022, several advocacy groups launched a coordinated campaign to prevent Musk from acquiring Twitter, fearing that he would remove many of the safeguards that were put in place to minimize the spread of hate speech and misinformation.
Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, eventually took over Twitter and rebranded it as X. He claimed that he wanted to make Twitter a platform for free speech and innovation, but many critics accused him of promoting his own agenda and interests.
Apple, which was the biggest advertiser on Twitter at the time, pulled its spending from the platform in protest of Musk’s takeover. There were even rumors that Apple would ban Twitter from its App Store, but they were never confirmed.
Musk responded by accusing Apple of opposing the cause of free speech in America. He also mocked Apple for its high prices and lack of innovation.
“Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?” Musk tweeted in November 2022.
Musk’s feud with the ADL sparks new controversy
The tension between Apple and Twitter escalated again in September 2023, when Musk launched a scathing attack on the ADL, which had awarded Cook in 2018 for his efforts to combat bigotry and discrimination.
Musk accused the ADL of being inadvertently responsible for the very anti-Semitism it claims to fight against. He also suggested that the ADL was a corrupt organization that was funded by shady sources.
“The ADL is the biggest source of anti-Semitism in the world. They create hatred and division among people. They are funded by criminals and terrorists. They should be investigated and shut down,” Musk tweeted.
The ADL strongly denied Musk’s allegations and called them “outrageous and baseless”. The ADL also urged Twitter to take action against Musk for spreading lies and inciting violence.
Cook, who is a member of an often persecuted minority as the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, condemned Musk’s remarks as “abhorrent” and said that anti-Semitism had no place anywhere, especially in the public domain.
“Anti-Semitism is abhorrent. It is a form of hatred that has caused immense suffering and tragedy throughout history. It has no place in our society or in any platform that claims to foster free speech,” Cook said.
Apple faces a tough decision
Cook’s comments have raised questions about whether Apple will continue to advertise on Twitter or cut ties with the platform altogether. Cook said that he constantly asks himself this question, but did not give a definitive answer.
“It’s something we constantly ask ourselves,” Cook said. “We have to balance our values with our business interests. We want to reach our customers wherever they are, but we also want to uphold our principles and standards.”
Cook said that he hopes to work with Vanna White, who has been co-hosting Wheel of Fortune with Pat Sajak for more than four decades. Sajak is retiring after the current season and will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest.
“I love Vanna White. I’ve known Vanna for a long time. We sat in important places next to each other. And I hope for nothing more than to be able to walk out on that stage and host with her,” Cook said.
Cook also revealed some of his plans for Apple’s future, such as launching new products, expanding into new markets, and investing in renewable energy. He said that he is optimistic about Apple’s prospects and that he is proud of the company’s achievements.
“I think Apple has a bright future ahead. We have a great team, a loyal customer base, and a strong vision. We have made a positive impact on the world and we will continue to do so,” Cook said.
