Elon Musk’s recent controversial statements at a rally in London, organized by Unite the Kingdom, have cast a shadow over his fellowship at the Royal Society, the world’s premier scientific institution.
Addressing the rally, also attended by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, Musk voiced concerns regarding “uncontrolled migration,” stating, “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.”
In response, Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, has circulated a letter to its fellows, expressing concerns about the “resorting to the language of violence” and the potential threat it poses to the organization’s core values.
Sir Adrian confirmed that the matter would be formally addressed at the Society’s upcoming council meeting.
Musk was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2018, recognizing his contributions to the space and electric vehicle industries. However, his continued association with the Society has become increasingly contentious.
Earlier this year, a letter signed by thousands of scientists was circulated, raising concerns about Musk’s alleged involvement in funding cuts to US scientific research, stemming from his prior role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The Royal Society previously debated Musk’s fellowship status in March, ultimately deciding to maintain his position. Some fellows voiced concerns that any attempt to remove him could be perceived as a violation of freedom of expression.
In his letter to fellows, Sir Adrian Smith wrote: “I am sure that many of you will share my concern at the events of the last week and the growing tendency to resort to the language of violence in pursuit of political programmes – including, unfortunately, an address to the recent London rally from a Fellow of the Royal Society.”
He further stated that: “Most of us have had the good fortune to have lived our lives in contexts where core values of tolerance, courtesy, respect for others, and freedom of speech have been widely acknowledged and respected and we have come to take them for granted.”
“It is no accident that human understanding and science have also flourished to an extraordinary extent in this period. Threats to these values are now real,” he concluded.
Addressing the rally attendees via video link on Saturday, Musk commented: “I think there’s something beautiful about being British and what I see happening here is a destruction of Britain, initially a slow erosion but rapidly increasing erosion of Britain with massive uncontrolled migration.”
“This is a message to the reasonable centre, the people who ordinarily wouldn’t get involved in politics, who just want to live their lives.”
“They don’t want that, they’re quiet, they just go about their business.”
“My message is to them: if this continues, that violence is going to come to you, you will have no choice. You’re in a fundamental situation here.”
“Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die, that’s the truth, I think.”
A decision to remove Mr. Musk from the Royal Society would mark a significant moment in its history. It has been 250 years since a member was expelled, which was German scientist and writer Rudolf Erich Raspe, accused of theft and fraud.
BBC News has reached out to Mr. Musk’s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, for comment.
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