In a jaw-dropping turn of events that feels straight out of a movie, Elon Musk has reportedly purchased media giant ABC for a staggering $790 million — and immediately pulled the plug on the long-running talk show The View. The shocking move comes just days after actor Alec Baldwin called Musk a “scumbag” during a heated segment on the program.
Sources close to the situation say Musk, known for his unpredictable but calculated business moves, didn’t take the insult lightly. “It wasn’t just a personal attack,” a source from Musk’s camp said. “It was disrespect directed at a person who has revolutionized multiple industries — and he wasn’t going to let it slide.”
The drama started earlier this week when Baldwin appeared on The View and was asked about Musk’s recent comments on artificial intelligence and free speech. Baldwin, never one to hold back, went off-script and said, “Elon Musk is a tech scumbag with a God complex. That guy shouldn’t be in charge of a toaster, let alone Twitter.”
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The internet erupted. Clips of Baldwin’s remarks went viral within hours, sparking both outrage and support. But no one expected Musk to respond with such epic force.
Within 48 hours, Musk’s team finalized a buyout of ABC — a move many thought would be impossible given the network’s size and its parent company, Disney. But according to insiders, Musk worked behind the scenes with private investors and struck a deal that reportedly surprised even Disney execs.
“The ink was barely dry on the deal when Elon gave the order,” said a senior ABC staffer. “The View was canceled, effective immediately. The entire team was notified by email that the show would not return.”
The cancellation sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The View, known for its outspoken panelists and controversial takes, had been on the air since 1997. It featured a rotating group of hosts including Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and previously, Meghan McCain — and frequently found itself in the middle of political and cultural debates.
Musk addressed the situation with a tweet that simply read:
“Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. ABC is under new management. #TheViewIsCancelled”
Reactions to Musk’s power move have been mixed. Some praised him for standing up to Hollywood elites and using his resources to push back against what he called “mainstream hypocrisy.” Others criticized the move as an attack on journalistic freedom and a dangerous precedent for billionaire media takeovers.
As of now, ABC’s future programming remains uncertain. Rumors are swirling that Musk may use the platform to promote independent creators, AI content, or even launch a new show of his own — possibly with X (formerly Twitter) integration.
One thing is certain: When Elon Musk makes a move, the world pays attention. And this time, he’s made it crystal clear — cross him on national TV, and there might be consequences.
