In what can only be described as the ultimate billionaire power move, Elon Musk has reportedly shelled out a casual $790 million to acquire ABC Company, the parent network of The View, just to cancel the long-running daytime talk show. Why, you ask? Because Alec Baldwin called him a “scumbag” during a heated segment earlier this week.
According to inside sources, Musk—who is no stranger to dramatic displays of wealth and influence—made the decision over a morning cup of coffee and a scroll through Twitter (now known as X, thanks to him). “Elon doesn’t just clap back on social media; he claps back with full corporate acquisitions,” a close associate joked.
The saga began when Baldwin, appearing as a guest on The View, criticized Musk’s recent ventures, calling him a “scumbag” for what he described as “destroying Twitter” and “turning Teslas into overpriced go-karts.” Baldwin’s comments quickly went viral, sparking memes and debates online.
But no one expected Musk to respond by outright purchasing the network.
“I couldn’t let that slide,” Musk tweeted (or “X’d”?), confirming the acquisition. “If you want to insult me, Alec, maybe pick a platform I don’t own next time. Oh wait, I own that too.”
As for the fate of The View, Musk wasted no time pulling the plug, reportedly instructing ABC execs to “cancel it with extreme prejudice.” Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that Musk plans to replace the show with a tech-focused program tentatively titled The Elon Hour, featuring live rocket launches and deep dives into cryptocurrency trends.
Reactions have been predictably mixed. Fans of The View are mourning the loss of their favorite daily drama, while Musk supporters are hailing him as the king of petty revenge. Baldwin, for his part, responded with a simple, “Well played,” accompanied by a photo of himself sipping wine.
In the grand scheme of Musk’s antics, this latest move may not even crack the top ten, but one thing’s for sure: Alec Baldwin might think twice before name-dropping Elon Musk again.
