Elon Musk, infamous for his controversial online presence and daring nature, made waves in October 2023 with a bold proposition directed at Wikipedia, the largest open-access encyclopedia globally. Musk put forward an eye-catching offer of $1 billion to the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization behind Wikipedia, with one condition attached: Wikipedia would have to undergo a name change to “Dickipedia” for a duration of at least one year.
Presenting his proposal as a move that would enhance accuracy, Musk insinuated that the suggested name alteration would more accurately represent what he hinted were dubious practices in the financial affairs of the Wikimedia Foundation.
Through a post on X (previously named Twitter), Musk openly raised queries about the necessity for substantial financial support by the Wikimedia Foundation. He highlighted that the entirety of Wikipedia’s content could theoretically be contained on a single smartphone, hinting that its operational expenses might not justify the considerable funding it receives.
Musk wrote:
“Have you ever wondered why the Wikimedia Foundation wants so much money? It certainly isn’t needed to operate Wikipedia. You can literally fit a copy of the entire text on your phone! So, what’s the money for? Inquiring minds want to know…”
To underline his point, Musk’s controversial follow-up offered the billion-dollar donation contingent on the name change.
He wrote:
“I will give them a billion dollars if they change their name to Dickipedia… in the interests of accuracy.”
I will give them a billion dollars if they change their name to Dickipedia https://t.co/wxoHQdRICy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 22, 2023
The Wikimedia Foundation, unsurprisingly, rejected Musk’s offer. On Thursday, Musk posted that his billion-dollar offer is still on the table, writing:
True. Offer still stands 🤣🤣
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 24, 2024
In a separate post, Musk gave the online index another name: Wokepedia
In response to revelations about Wikipedia’s $50 million Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) budget, Musk urged people to stop funding the project, writing:
Wokepedia until they restore balance to their editing authority
Stop donating to Wokepedia until they restore balance to their editing authority https://t.co/sHjnFTtN5y
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 24, 2024
Musk bought the social media platform Twitter for a whopping $44 billion in 2022 (and subsequently renamed it “X”) in an effort to safeguard free speech on the internet. Recently, Musk has joked on social media about purchasing MSNBC. Notably, Musk also joked about buying Twitter before ultimately purchasing it.
Musk’s antics often blur the line between humor, social commentary, and serious propositions. As the world’s richest person who has recently entered the political arena as an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, Musk’s statements carry a weight that increasingly influences public discourse. Even if Musk’s trolling tone is unserious, the underlying point remains regarding transparency in Wiki’s use of donor money and the push to end divisive DEI initiatives.
