United States: billionaire Elon Musk's "show" at the premises of Twitter

A receptionist in the lobby of the building housing the offices of Twitter in New York, Wednesday, October 26, 2022. AP - Mary Altaffer

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

It is this Friday, October 28, the deadline set by American justice for billionaire Elon Musk to buy the social network Twitter.

After several about-faces, the richest man in the world has resolved to honor his promise of redemption.

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With our correspondent in Washington,

First, he made an offer, before withdrawing it and finally honoring it in the face of the risk of a costly lawsuit financially and in terms of image.

Elon Musk therefore takes possession of Twitter.

He started paying the $44 billion for the deal.

On Wednesday, he posted a video of him moving into the premises.

Meeting a lot of cool people at Twitter today!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 26, 2022

This Thursday, it is by a message to the advertisers of the platform that he specifies his intentions.

Dear Twitter Advertisers pic.twitter.com/GMwHmInPAS

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2022

If the richest man in the world buys Twitter, it is, he says, because it seems important to him for the future of civilization that there is a common digital public square.

Not because it's easy, not to make money, but to try to " 

 " he loves.

He wants to make it a welcoming space for all, not some kind of hell where anything can be said without consequences.

He therefore promises to obey the law, which is not very restrictive in terms of content control in the United States.

The message is therefore intended to be reassuring for the partners.

At Twitter headquarters' coffee bar, @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/vy5Cw7zttf

— Walter Isaacson (@WalterIsaacson) October 27, 2022

It may go less smoothly for the employees, who largely opposed him during the takeover soap opera.

According to press reports, Elon Musk is considering parting with 75% of the staff.

Another way to become sole master on board.

►Read again: United States: by accepting the purchase of Twitter, Elon Musk puts an end to legal proceedings

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• United States

• Elon Musk

• Twitter

• Social networks