‘The Invite’ Star Olivia Wilde Expresses Deep Resentment Towards Elon Musk

Olivia Wilde is candidly discussing her evolving views on Elon Musk and the rise of online misogyny, revealing how her perception of the billionaire has shifted significantly over the years. In a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the filmmaker reflected on her initial meeting with Musk long before his recent political controversies, expressing surprise at how he has transformed.

Wilde recounted her first encounter with Musk years ago at SpaceX’s headquarters in Los Angeles. At the time, she was involved with a charity project in Haiti focused on building hospitals and schools, and Musk had shown interest in providing financial support. Looking back, she noted that her impression of him was vastly different from her current feelings.

During the podcast, Wilde stated, “I really resent him now. I really deeply resent him.” She reminisced about their meeting: “I met him many, many years ago. I think SpaceX had just built their headquarters in L.A. and I got to go on a tour because I wanted to see the rocket ships. He was interested in donating money to an organization that I was a part of in Haiti that was building hospitals and schools. I believe he did donate a little bit of money, and that’s appreciated. I was confused by him. I would never have predicted he would go down the path he has gone down. He did seem really smart.”

Wilde attributed her changing opinion to Musk’s public statements and the ideas she believes he has helped to promote. She connected some of his views to what she perceives as a growing culture of misogyny online, particularly his repeated comments about population decline, which she argues align with a belief that men should wield more power in society.

The conversation also revisited Wilde’s previous comments while promoting her film Don’t Worry Darling, where she mentioned that the film’s antagonist was partly inspired by author and psychologist Jordan Peterson, a figure admired by segments of the incel community. Those remarks drew significant attention and criticism from Peterson himself.

Reflecting on her earlier statements, Wilde acknowledged that one aspect of her description might have been overly harsh. She told Louis Theroux, “It might have been unfair for me to call him a pseudo-intellectual because he obviously thinks about things deeply.” Nonetheless, she maintains that Peterson promotes ideas that could lead individuals towards more extreme beliefs.

Wilde elaborated, “My issue with Peterson is a lot of people who are not in any way misogynist have adopted this sanitized version of the same philosophy that’s rooted in deep misogyny and weaponized by the incel community.” She expressed concern that the core idea behind these beliefs reflects a dangerous sense of entitlement to power, especially as it permeates mainstream culture.

The interview also touched on Peterson’s emotional response during a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, where he reacted to Wilde’s earlier comments. Peterson argued that many young men are merely seeking encouragement and support, a point Wilde strongly contested.

She countered on the podcast, “’Lack of an encouraging word’ is so absurd. There is a large, booming word of encouragement happening at all time for these men, which is: ‘This world is yours and you are entitled to it.’ That’s deeply ingrained in our society. This idea they need a reminder of encouragement and deserve more is ludicrous.”

According to The Louis Theroux Podcast, Wilde’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on modern politics, online culture, and the influence of public figures. Her comments about Musk have quickly gained traction online, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding the billionaire’s expanding role in public life.

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