Elon Musk calls chef José Andrés 'asshole' after mild criticism

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, suggested he may have the world's thinnest skin based on his response to mild criticism from Chef José Andrés.

The Tesla mogul has been dealing with fallout over a recent interview with Economist Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, where he became testy after she pointed out his seeming affinity for members of the "far right."

"No, I support the normal people. What you call the far right, falsely," he said testily at one point.

The interview was released on Thursday, and Musk was apparently still bothered enough that he called Beddoes "a traitor to the West" in response to a post from Rael Braverman, a member of the right-wing political party Reform UK and the husband of former home secretary Suella Braverman.

Andrés Offers Advice

Andrés, who previously served as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition during the Biden administration, responded to Musk's post with some good advice and mild criticism of his attack on Beddoes.

The chef, whose World Central Kitchen helps feed people on the front lines of global crises, suggested the SpaceX head honcho "drink a glass of water before you tweet," and pointedly said Musk shouldn't call "a great journalist" who actually asked him good questions "an enemy to humanity."

Andrés added: "You sound and act like a tyrant….change!"

Elon drink a glass of water before you tweet…you may build rockets and satellites and cars and anything else you want…and we thank you! but you can not call a great journalist that actually ask you good questions and enemy to humanity! You sound and act like a tyrant….change! — Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres)

Musk's Response

Musk's response was "statesmanlike," but only if the statesman is Donald Trump.

You're an asshole — Elon Musk (@elonmusk)

Public Reaction

If Musk thought his pithy insult ended any possibility of online criticism, he was sadly mistaken, as many people immediately took Andrés' side.

It's the other way around, Elon. MacKenzie Scott gives away billions. José Andrés feeds people. You tweet insults. Funny how the people actually making the world better always seem to bother you the most. — guyfelicella🇨🇦🍁 (@guyfelicella)

Jose Andres started World Central Kitchen to bring food to those afflicted by natural disasters and war. He is an amazing chef who also cares deeply about humanity. This sophomoric response to what was really some quite mild criticism is pretty disappointing to see. — Matt Smith (@nerdalert)

@chefjoseandres is a millionaire that is spending his money and time feeding poor people. @elonmusk is a trillionaire that spends our money an...