News | Iceland Monitor | Wed 8 Mar 2023 | 14.30 GMT | Modified at 15.14

Musk apologizes after the twittering feud

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The twittering feud between Haraldur Þorleifsson (Halli) and Elon Musk continued last night. Elon Musk took it to the gutter making fun of Þorleifsson's disease.

In a new thread, Harald takes the time to explain to Musk that he has a muscle wasting disease and how the disease affects his life. Haraldur also points out that he has a wonderful family, which he enjoys.

Then he goes fast over his career, or since he founded the digital design company Ueno nine years ago. He says he has worked hard to build the company and succeeded so that the company grew and grew. After seven years of tireless work, he decided to sell his company and join Twitter.

“I came here when the company [Twitter] was growing fast. You did the opposite sort of thing. There was a lot going on. The company had a fair amount of issues, but then again, most bigger companies do. Or even small companies, like Twitter today.,” Haraldur writes, shooting hard at Musk.

Haraldur hopes this information is complete and eventually asks Musk if he will not reveal whether he intends to pay his unpaid wages.

Hi again @elonmusk 👋

I hope you are well.

I’m fine too. I’m thankful for your interest in my health.

But since you mentioned it, I wanted to give you more info.

I have muscular dystrophy. It has many effects on my body.

Let me tell you what they are: https://t.co/2vb16kP6Yv
— Halli (@iamharaldur) March 7, 2023

Þorleifsson then goes on to explain his diseasy to the billionaire CEO.

For a long time I thought my arms would remain strong. A doctor told me they would.

But they ended up losing strength. Which, I don’t mind telling you, was hard to accept.

But you okay the cards you are dealt and I’ve managed to create a wonderful life.
— Halli (@iamharaldur) March 7, 2023

Þorleifsson also addresses Musk's comment about "being independently wealthy" saying: "We grew fast and made money. I think that's what you are referring to when you say independently wealthy? That I independently made my money, as opposed to say, inherited an emerald mine."

He also answers Musk's comment on him not being able to type on a keyboard, which the CEO said he had no respect for.

But as I told HR (I'm assuming that's the confidential health information you are sharing) I can't work as a hands on designer for the reasons outlined above.

I'm typing this on my phone btw. It's easier for because I only need to use one finger.
— Halli (@iamharaldur) March 7, 2023

The whole ordeal has caught the attention of media outlets all over the world and Elon Musk is not getting a good PR on this feud.

Later Musk deleted the tweets he had posted.

Daniel Houghton comments on the thread.

As someone who has worked directly with @iamharaldur during a turnaround, this is super disappointing to see. Not only is his work ethic next level, his talent and humility are world class. Exactly the kind of person you want on your team when the odds are stacked. I feel certain… https://t.co/Hk5nW1Y9ab
— Daniel Houghton (@danielhoughton) March 7, 2023

Musk answers Houghton and finally calls Þorleifsson directly.

Based on your comment, I just did a videocall with Halli to figure out what’s real vs what I was told. It’s a long story.

Better to talk to people than communicate via tweet.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 7, 2023

Apparently Þorleifsson is considering if he will stay on working for Twitter after that conversation.

I would like to apologize to Halli for my misunderstanding of his situation. It was based on things I was told that were untrue or, in some cases, true, but not meaningful.

He is considering remaining at Twitter.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 7, 2023

Here below the Young Turks youtube channel covers the feud: