Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and owner of X, is facing significant backlash after making a controversial comment about a 19-year-old American teenager facing deportation from Denmark. The teenager, Audrey Morris, has publicly called out Musk's remark as "demeaning" for reducing her complex immigration case to her physical appearance.
Musk's Controversial Comment and Teen's Reaction
When Musk learned about Audrey Morris's immigration woes, he took to his platform, X, to post a now-deleted statement. He wrote, "8 or above level hotness should get an exemption," suggesting that physically attractive people should be spared from deportation.
In an interview with the Daily Beast, Morris expressed her shock and disappointment. "Yeah, it's definitely crazy," she said. While she noted that public discourse around her case had often fixated on her being blonde and white, Musk's comment from his powerful platform was particularly jarring. "The thing he said in of itself wasn't shocking to me, but coming from him, yes, it was definitely. I was floored," Morris revealed.
She lamented how the focus shifted from her merits to her looks. The case quickly became about her appearance rather than her academic achievements, volunteering record, or the fact she grew up in Denmark since age nine.
The Real Story Behind the Deportation Threat
Audrey Morris's family moved to Denmark in 2015 so her mother could pursue a PhD. Morris, who turned 19 in August 2024, had been living in the country as an "accompanying child" under her mother's permit. Her troubles began when she moved to her high school dorm in a different city and changed her address, which violated the conditions of her temporary residency. Her permit expired in June 2024.
The threat of deportation was so severe that she made concrete plans to return to the United States alone, leaving her family and boyfriend behind. In the end, she was granted a 10-year residency permit but was denied Danish citizenship, a status both her American mother and 15-year-old brother received.
"I have my grandparents and some friends in the USA. But Denmark is my home. One hundred percent. I am as Danish as a foreigner can possibly be," Morris told Danish media Stifstidende in January.
A Missed Opportunity for Constructive Support
Morris highlighted the missed opportunity in Musk's intervention. Instead of a comment on her looks, she wished the tech mogul had used his influence constructively.
"It would've been really cool if he commented something like, 'Oh wow, look how many academic things she's reached,' or whatever. That would've been great. It could have been so helpful," she stated.
Despite the embarrassment, Morris sees a potential silver lining. "[But] if this just at least brings it to the attention of anyone who cares, then I'm fine with being embarrassed a little bit. That's okay," she concluded, hoping the unwanted attention might still shed light on immigration issues.
The incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Elon Musk's social media conduct and the real-world impact of offhand comments from powerful figures on individuals' lives.
