Summarised by Centrist
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has launched an investigation into left-leaning media watchdog group Media Matters for America, which documented anti-semitic content on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Bailey’s investigation centres on whether Media Matters fraudulently solicited contributions from Missouri residents to persuade advertisers to withdraw from X.
This move follows Musk’s lawsuit against Media Matters, accusing the group of manipulating screenshots to showcase ads next to extremist content. Critics argue that Musk’s controversial statements, including endorsing an alleged anti-semitic conspiracy theory, led advertisers to leave X, rather than Media Matters’ reporting.
Bailey’s investigation faces potential legal barriers, including Washington, D.C.’s shield law protecting news outlets from disclosing sources and work product to governmental agencies. The outcome of this legal battle could have broader implications for free speech and media regulation.
