Elon Musk Responds to Death Hoax by Somali TikToker Amid Backlash

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become embroiled in controversy following a video posted by a Somali-American TikToker, Fardowsa Muhumed, who claimed during a livestream that Musk was 'about to die'. The incident has led to widespread backlash and discussions about online threats and accountability.

The viral clip, which surfaced on 31 December 2025, featured Muhumed discussing Musk's recent criticisms of alleged fraud involving Somali-run daycare businesses in Minnesota. During the livestream, she made the contentious remark in English: 'I wouldn't worry too much about him. He about to die.' This statement quickly garnered millions of views and reached Musk himself.

Musk’s Reaction

In response to the viral video, Elon Musk took to the platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage, declaring, 'Then it is war.' His comment suggests that he perceived Muhumed's words as a direct threat to his life. The tweet has since attracted significant attention, amassing over a million views, likes, and retweets. Musk's reaction sparked discussions about freedom of speech and the potential consequences of inflammatory online statements.

Backlash Against the TikToker

Following the incident, Muhumed faced substantial backlash online, including hundreds of threats directed at her. On 3 January 2026, she issued a clarification stating that her comments were 'badly misinterpreted' and insisted she had no intention to threaten Musk. She explained that her remarks were intended to promote body positivity in light of Musk’s appearance in swimwear, rather than to incite fear.

Muhumed’s account, which operated under the handle 'Dowza.z', has reportedly been deleted following the incident. Despite her attempts to clarify her statements, calls for legal action have emerged from various conservative figures, including Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee, who suggested deportation for Muhumed.

Background on the Fraud Investigations

The context of Muhumed's comments relates to ongoing investigations into a significant fraud scheme involving Somali-run businesses in Minnesota. Under the Trump administration, Musk was involved in leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been scrutinising fraud relating to federal funds for child nutrition and housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigations have resulted in over 70 charges against individuals involved in the alleged schemes.

Musk's engagement in these investigations has made him a polarising figure, drawing both support and criticism. In his statements, Musk has described the fraud as pervasive across many government programs, asserting that his team uncovered numerous fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of social media users and the implications of their statements. The incident exemplifies the potential for online comments to escalate into serious real-world consequences, highlighting the need for caution in the digital landscape. Elon Musk remains a significant figure in technology and politics, and this incident may further impact public perception of him and the ongoing discourse surrounding online threats and accountability.