In a recent social media stir, Errol Musk, father of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, has reignited a controversial claim concerning former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Errol Musk's comments have resurrected a conspiracy theory about Michelle Obama's gender, originally sparked in 2014 by a joke from the late comedian Joan Rivers, as the Hindustan Times reports.

The controversy began when a video featuring Errol Musk went viral across social media platforms. The video, disseminated on Feb. 13, by X user @WojPawelczyk, shows Musk participating in a podcast interview. In the recording, the podcast host asserts that Michelle Obama is a man, a claim Mr. Musk endorses.

Joan Rivers' Joke Spurs Theory

The conspiracy theory in question finds its origins in a remark made by comedian Joan Rivers back in 2014. During a public appearance, Rivers jokingly referred to Michelle Obama as a man and hinted that her husband, former President Barack Obama, was gay. Rivers' offhand comments have since been adopted by conspiracy theorists.

The former first lady's gender has never been broadly doubted. Regardless, Errol Musk went on to allude to Rivers in his remarks, suggesting that her death two weeks following her statement was somehow connected to her comments, a claim devoid of factual evidence.

"Of course. You don’t know that?" Errol Musk responded during the podcast, seemingly backing the claim. He further urged listeners to verify this stance through a simple internet search.

Video Prompts Social Media Frenzy

The spread of the video triggered a mixture of reactions online. As Errol Musk's comments circulated, they drew a range of responses from users on the social media platform, X. Some users demanded evidence for his statements, while others questioned the significance of his allegations now that Barack Obama has left the office.

One user commented on Errol Musk's appearance, noting that he "looks decent for his age." On the other hand, a different user questioned the need to heed Musk's narrative, implying that his statements don't contribute constructively to public discourse.

Another user voiced a sentiment of irrelevance towards the claims, stating, "The man is no longer in office so why this? You don't have anything positive to do with your life?” Clearly, not all social media users are intrigued by the resurfacing of this conspiracy theory.

Persistent Influence of Allegations

Despite the lack of verifiable substance, the allegations continue to hold a certain cultural currency, catalyzed by figures such as Errol Musk. The initial remarks by Rivers have grown into a full-blown conspiracy theory that is exploited and perpetuated by various individuals.

It's important to reiterate that no evidence supports the theory that Michelle Obama is anything other than what she has always presented herself to be. These types of narratives often catch fire in the digital age, fueled by viral videos and speculation.

Social media platforms have become fertile ground for the spread of sensational claims. In an era driven by information, it is crucial for the public to critically evaluate such contents with a discerning eye.

Potential Consequences for Public Figures

Public figures, like Errol Musk, can wield significant influence over their followers. While some might perceive his remarks as a mere personal opinion, others may interpret them as credible assertions.

Musk's decision to reaffirm this conspiracy theory brings attention to the broader issue of misinformation online. In the absence of tangible proof, these statements continue to persist, challenging the way information is consumed and accepted by the public.

This incident underscores the role of influential voices in shaping public perception. The resurgence of this theory serves as a cautionary example of the power of discourse in the digital age.

Reflecting on Public Discourse

Ultimately, Errol Musk's statements have opened up discussions around the role of public figures in promoting or mitigating misinformation. Topics such as these often provoke debate regarding the balance between free speech and social responsibility.

As the discourse surrounding Michelle Obama’s gender continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in discerning truth from fiction. In a world inundated with information, the ability to sift through the noise becomes increasingly vital.

For now, the unsubstantiated claims about the former first lady remain a point of discussion and reflection in the realm of public opinion.