Ayo Edebiri Calls Elon Musk ‘An Idiot’ After Receiving Death Threats Over Fake ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Rumors

Actress and Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri has publicly condemned tech billionaire Elon Musk, calling him an “idiot” after she became the target of racist harassment and death threats due to false casting rumors he amplified.

The controversy began in February 2024 when Musk shared an unfounded report claiming Disney planned to cast Edebiri as the lead in a new Pirates of the Caribbean film, replacing Johnny Depp.

Without providing any clarification, Musk simply captioned the post, “Disney sucks.” His followers swiftly reacted, launching a wave of vitriol against The Bear actress, despite the rumor being entirely baseless.

Edebiri recently revisited the ordeal, sharing a screenshot of Musk’s post on her Instagram story.

“Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life (idk if it’s the #1 moment, but for sure top 3) for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man,” she wrote, adding, “LMAO.

So not only is he double Sieg Heil-ing fascist, he’s an idiot but anyway.”Her statement referenced Musk’s recent controversy involving a hand gesture that some critics likened to a Nazi salute.

The gesture, made during former President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, further fueled backlash against the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who has increasingly aligned himself with far-right figures and ideologies.

Edebiri has been vocal in her criticism of Musk in the past, previously supporting comedian Bill Burr after he took aim at Musk during an NPR Fresh Air interview.

Burr had called Musk an “idiot” with “dyed hair plugs and a laminated face,” while also suggesting the billionaire was “evidently a Nazi.” Edebiri responded to Burr’s comments with a “bullseye” emoji, signaling her agreement.

Despite the controversy, there has been no official confirmation of a new Pirates of the Caribbean installment, and Edebiri is not in talks for any role in the franchise.