LONDON, U.K. — U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to inflammatory allegations made by billionaire Elon Musk, who accused him of complicity in handling a national child grooming scandal. Musk’s accusations, shared on his social media platform X, have drawn significant attention and criticism, sparking a broader debate on misinformation.
Musk accused Starmer of refusing to prosecute child grooming gangs during his tenure as the U.K.’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and suggested that the U.S. should “liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government.” He further called for Starmer’s imprisonment and conducted a poll on X asking followers their views on Britain’s governance.
Starmer addressed the matter during a press conference, defending his record as DPP and condemning the spread of false information. “Those that are spreading lies and misinformation as far and as wide as possible, they’re not interested in victims. They’re interested in themselves,” Starmer said, emphasizing his focus on justice and accountability.
Musk’s claims are linked to a long-standing scandal involving child sexual exploitation in the U.K., particularly in Rotherham, where a 2014 report revealed that approximately 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013. The report criticized authorities for failing to address the issue adequately. Starmer, who served as DPP during part of this period, has faced scrutiny over his role. However, he emphasized his efforts to prosecute grooming gangs, describing his approach as transformative.
Starmer cited a 2013 parliamentary report that praised his leadership and efforts to improve the treatment of sexual assault victims within the justice system. The report recognized his work as a model for addressing grooming cases. Despite this, Musk continued to allege that Starmer ignored victims’ pleas, a claim that remains unsupported.
This controversy follows Musk’s ongoing clashes with the Labour government. Musk previously criticized Britain’s response to last summer’s riots, describing the country as a “police state” after authorities prosecuted far-right agitators involved in the unrest. Musk also advocated for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.
European leaders have expressed concern over Musk’s influence on global affairs. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Musk’s direct interventions in international politics, including his endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party. Macron noted the risks posed by the owner of a major social media platform influencing democratic processes in other nations.
Starmer reiterated his commitment to combating misinformation and ensuring justice for victims. He rejected calls for a new national inquiry into historic child sexual abuse cases, arguing that numerous reviews have already been conducted. Starmer emphasized the need for action and accountability rather than repeated inquiries.
As Musk’s controversial statements and influence continue to shape international discourse, Starmer’s response underscores the challenges faced by political leaders in addressing the intersection of politics, technology, and the spread of misinformation.
