Jimmy Kimmel, the billionaire left-leaning TV host, has expressed concerns that “sneaky rich weirdo” Elon Musk could become even wealthier. One user on social media noted the peculiar dynamics of class envy among billionaires.
During a monologue on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, Kimmel mentioned that SpaceX is preparing to launch the largest IPO ever. This essentially means Musk’s company is about to go public.
“If SpaceX pulls this off, Elon Musk will be the first billionaire in history,” Kimmel added, drawing some boos from the live audience.
Kimmel continued with a little more intensity, saying, “What’s even more unsettling is that this guy, our first millionaire and the wealthiest person on the planet, is also one of the oddest individuals alive.”
“This incredibly wealthy weirdo has the power to blow up the moon, if he so chooses,” the late-night host remarked. “And he could also pocket a lot of other people’s money in the process.”
He further argued that the expected high valuation and eventual entry into the stock market of SpaceX could result in many 401k investments, which he considered “very risky for retirement accounts” and asserted that “SpaceX is unlikely to generate profits.”
“In effect, this operation could transform Elon into a millionaire while your parents might find themselves working at Walmart,” Kimmel quipped, jokingly suggesting, “Isn’t Elon planning on going to Mars? Can we help speed that along?” — which was met with applause from those in attendance.
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Kimmel faced backlash from viewers on social media, with comments reflecting his estimated net worth of $50 million for the remarks he made.
“The most envious, Marxist person isn’t the one actually working hard to build homes but rather the guy with millions who feels superior to a billionaire,” one user pointed out.
“The envy felt by billionaires focused on other billionaires is astonishing,” another joked.
“Socialism has always been more of a middle-class issue with little productivity,” was another reaction.
One user remarked that this story appears less beneficial to society than innovations like cars or reusable rockets.
“I’ve read funnier letters from the IRS than what Kimmel said,” quipped another user.
