Elon Stirs Controversy with TikTok Post on Haitian Culture and Trump’s Claim: “They’re Eating Your Pets”

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy, but his latest tweet has caused a stir online. On X (formerly known as Twitter), the Tesla CEO shared a TikTok video featuring a woman of Haitian descent, Rebekah Faidia, discussing some deeply sensitive cultural topics. In the video, Faidia claims that many Haitians eat cats as part of religious practices tied to Voodoo, which she describes as “demonic.” Her remarks, and Musk’s amplification of them, have sparked intense reactions across social media, with many people voicing concerns about the portrayal of Haitian culture.

This post comes on the heels of recent comments from Donald Trump, where he suggested that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Several media outlets have already been fact-checking Trump’s claims, but Musk’s tweet seems to have fueled the debate even more.

Who Is Rebekah Faidia?

In her viral TikTok video, Faidia claims that her father immigrated from Haiti to the U.S. in the late 1960s. While she admits she is estranged from him, she recalls stories he shared about life on the island, particularly about voodoo practices. According to her, the island’s deep poverty often forces people to eat whatever they can find, including cats. She also connects this practice to voodoo rituals, explaining that animal sacrifices are a part of the religion’s ceremonies.

But it didn’t stop there. Faidia went further, addressing those who accuse her of spreading misinformation. “You can’t just take over all these people from another country and expect it to work,” she said, referring to the growing Haitian immigrant community in Ohio. Faidia also echoed concerns from some Springfield residents, saying people are too quick to dismiss Trump’s claims rather than look into what’s happening.

The Reaction to Musk’s Post

Once Musk shared the video, it immediately gained attention—not all of it positive. Social media was ablaze, with many users accusing both Faidia and Musk of painting an inaccurate and damaging picture of Haitian people. Some commenters argued that while voodoo is practiced in Haiti, it’s not as widespread as she claims. They also rejected the idea that cat-eating is a regular practice, saying it happens in extreme cases of poverty, and even then, it’s rare.

In response to the backlash, Faidia posted another video, defending her comments. “I’m not spreading hate,” she said, acknowledging that some Haitians had attacked her for her views. She admitted she wasn’t sure how many people eat cats in Haiti but stood by her claims. She also doubled down on her belief that voodoo is incompatible with Catholicism, despite Haiti being predominantly Catholic.

Faidia also addressed wild conspiracy theories circulating online, including accusations that she was a Russian spy. Brushing them off as “crazy conspiracy theorists,” she remained firm in her stance, adding that the issue in Springfield isn’t just about immigration but the challenges small American towns face when large groups of immigrants settle without integrating.

The Trump Factor

This latest controversy taps directly into the ongoing immigration debate in the U.S., particularly around comments made by former president Donald Trump. Trump, who has been vocal about illegal immigration, recently made headlines when he claimed that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets. While fact-checkers quickly began to investigate his statement, Musk’s decision to share Faidia’s video seemed to revive the conversation, with many conservative figures backing her claims.

Prominent right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk even reposted the video. When a TikTok commenter brought this up, Faidia expressed her surprise, saying it was “cool” to see Kirk sharing her message.

Musk’s Influence and Media Response

Elon Musk’s influence is undeniable, and with his massive following on social media, anything he shares quickly goes viral. But his decision to post this particular TikTok at a time when the immigration debate is already highly charged raises questions about his intentions. Is he aligning himself more with Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, or is he simply fanning the flames of controversy for attention?

While Faidia has defended her statements, many are concerned about the potential harm of spreading these kinds of narratives. Critics argue that the focus on extreme cases, like cat-eating, distracts from the broader issue of immigration reform and reinforces harmful stereotypes about Haitians and their culture.

Whatever the case, Musk’s tweet has undoubtedly amplified this conversation, and it remains to be seen how it will play out in the political arena.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s post has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with both supporters and detractors chiming in. As discussions about Haitian immigration, voodoo, and cultural stereotypes swirl, one thing is clear—this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.