Former First Minister Humza Yousaf has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of attempting to “inflame racial tensions” by referencing the 2004 murder of Glasgow schoolboy Kriss Donald.
Kriss, aged 15 at the time, was abducted and brutally killed in a racially motivated attack by an Asian gang led by Imran Shahid. The crime, one of Scotland’s most harrowing racist murders, shocked the nation.
On Tuesday, Musk quoted a post discussing the murder on his platform X, stating, “first time I’ve heard of this.” This comment has drawn criticism, with Mr. Yousaf alleging that Musk’s intent is to highlight cases involving ethnic minorities or migrants in a way that stokes division.
Political clash escalates
Musk, the owner of Tesla and SpaceX, has been increasingly vocal on UK politics, recently attacking Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as “two-tier Keir” and criticising the SNP’s Hate Crime Act, which Yousaf introduced during his tenure as Scotland’s Justice Secretary.
In response to Musk’s latest remarks, Mr. Yousaf highlighted the crucial role of former MP Mohammad Sarwar, the UK’s first Muslim parliamentarian, in ensuring justice for Kriss. After the perpetrators fled to Pakistan, Mr. Sarwar’s efforts led to their extradition, allowing them to face trial and receive life sentences in Scotland.
Speaking on Tonight With Andrew Marr, Mr. Yousaf stated:
“Typical of Elon Musk to amplify that case because he is only interested in highlighting incidents involving migrants, people of colour, or Muslims. Kriss Donald’s murder was a dreadful and racially motivated attack, and the perpetrators almost evaded justice.
“It was Kriss’s mother, Angela, who pleaded at the time that her son’s death not be used to inflame racial tensions. Elon Musk is doing the exact opposite.”
A dangerous influence
Mr. Yousaf reiterated his stance on Musk’s influence in a video posted to X, labelling him “one of the most dangerous men on the planet.” He accused the billionaire of spreading divisive rhetoric, normalising prejudice, and amplifying far-right views.
“Elon Musk isn’t just an individual with a harmful tweet; he’s part of a global trend where powerful figures use their platforms to spread disinformation and create division.
“Last year, I warned about Musk fanning the flames of racial intolerance in the UK. Everything he’s done since only reinforces that view. Now, with his support for far-right figures and his anti-Muslim rhetoric, he poses a genuine threat to democracy.”
More Read
Musk’s far-right affiliations
Mr. Yousaf cited Musk’s support for controversial far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson and Geert Wilders. He also criticised Musk’s endorsement of the German party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which opposes Islam and immigration in its manifesto.
He added:
“We cannot ignore Musk or the far-right. Confronting their divisive rhetoric is a necessity to protect societal unity and democracy.”
A history of tensions
This is not the first time Musk and Yousaf have clashed online. Last year, Musk branded the former first minister “super racist” during a heated exchange and challenged him to sue.
Legacy of kriss Donald’s case
Kriss Donald’s murder remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of racial hatred. The dedication of Mohammad Sarwar in ensuring justice was widely praised. Mr. Sarwar later served as Governor of Punjab province in Pakistan.
As debates about race and justice continue, the renewed spotlight on Kriss’s case underscores the challenges of addressing past injustices without fuelling contemporary divisions. Mr. Yousaf’s condemnation of Musk highlights the delicate balance between free speech and responsible discourse in a time of increasing polarisation.
