Xavier Niel doesn't mince his words when he talks about Elon Musk. The founder of Free, a telecommunications pioneer, delivers a strong opinion on the boss of Tesla, SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter). In his book A real desire to make a messNiel calls Musk an undeniable genius, but also a dangerous figure, a position that contrasts sharply with the usual praise addressed to the American entrepreneur.
Elon Musk: Brilliant, but an uncontrollable free electron
“You can be both a brilliant entrepreneur and a dirty idiot,” says Xavier Niel bluntly. A sentence which, through its frankness, breaks with the veneration usually accorded to Musk.
Indeed, the American is often praised for his major innovations. Creator of SpaceX, revolutionary of electric cars with Tesla, and architect of the transformation of Twitter into X, Musk has undoubtedly left his mark on many sectors. But, for Niel, this brilliance hides a much darker side.
Behind the genius innovator emerges, according to the founder of Free, a character who often goes beyond the limits.
Musk, instead of just pushing technological boundaries, also seems to push those of public decency.
His fiery statements on X, often controversial, are shocking in their brutality. Musk's behavior on this platform is, according to Niel, a real breeding ground for hatred and disinformation. For Niel, it is no longer just a question of inappropriate words, but an act of social responsibility that leaves its mark.
Where others might see simple eccentricity, Niel detects a deeper threat. Elon Musk does not just provoke, he influences the political sphere in a destabilizing way, notably through his displayed support for Donald Trump.
“He creates violence,” insists Niel, pointing to the impact that words can have when they come from a leader as influential as Musk.
Entrepreneurial morality: the red line not to be crossed
“He says an impossible number of stupid things,” proclaims Xavier Niel. This statement not only sums up Niel's exasperation with Musk's public outings, but also highlights a fundamental view of entrepreneurship. For Niel, it is imperative to demonstrate moralityeven as a visionary entrepreneur. Success cannot justify everything.
The impact of Musk's “bullshit” is not limited to the media sphere. According to Niel, they have a direct and measurable effect on his businesses.
He takes the example of X (formerly Twitter), which has seen its value drop dramatically since Musk took the reins. Flight from advertisers, disinterest from users: the effects are very real. Niel warns against this lack of filter. “What you say can have an impact on your businesses,” he warns, reminding us that excessive behavior ultimately backfires on those who embody it.
Unlike Musk, who immerses himself in politics, Niel wants to be more discreet. He maintains a distance from this area, even if, in a moment of sincerity, he confides his “dream” of one day becoming mayor of Paris. A personal aspiration that contrasts with the way in which Musk tackles major global political issues.
The opposition between Xavier Niel and Elon Musk is not a simple ego quarrel. It is a confrontation between two worldviews. Musk, the limitless businessman, is shaking up the rules. Facing him, Niel, more reserved, advocates a form of entrepreneurial responsibility where success is not synonymous with impunity. Furthermore, Paris is weakening, between political doubts and economic uncertainties.
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