Starmer condemns Musk’s claims about grooming scandals

UK PM Starmer criticises Musk’s misinformation on child sex offences as European leaders condemn Musk’s political interference.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned those spreading false information about historical sex offences after recent incendiary posts by Elon Musk on his X platform.

Musk, linked to a future role in Trump’s administration, accused Starmer of being “deeply complicit in the mass rapes” and described him as “utterly despicable”.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have also addressed Musk’s involvement. Macron noted Musk was “directly intervening in elections”, notably in Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Musk’s support for an extreme-right party.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed concern over Musk’s significant influence in European politics.

Musk’s comments have created challenges for Starmer’s government, which aims to counter rising far-right support while maintaining relations with Trump’s administration.

Musk has called for a new public inquiry into the grooming gang scandals that gained attention during Starmer’s tenure as the top prosecutor from 2008 to 2013.

Far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson, have used the issue to their advantage, with Musk endorsing Robinson’s release from prison.

Starmer responded to media queries by emphasising that “a line has been crossed” with online misinformation. He stated that those spreading lies are more focused on their self-interest than on victims, and he calls this behaviour out as a dangerous tactic used to incite intimidation and threats.

The grooming scandal involved severe abuse of vulnerable girls, leading to convictions for many offenders, predominantly from South Asian backgrounds.