• Buffalox@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    I wonder why they consider an investigation likely to be harmful?
    What the fuck is going on in the Royal Academy?

    • Skua@kbin.earth
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      6 days ago

      More likely they know that Musk has a well-documented habit of frivolous litigation and spreading lies about anyone that gets under his skin. They’ve decided it’s not worth the fight

      • Buffalox@lemmy.world
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        6 days ago

        The Royal Society resides in London, so Musk can’t make frivolous charges like in USA.

        • Skua@kbin.earth
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          6 days ago

          The cave diver Vernon Unsworth lived in Thailand, so Musk just tried to spread the rumour that he was a paedophile instead. And unfortunately Musk now has a bigger following and platform than ever

          To be clear I don’t necessarily agree with the Society’s decision. I just think there is a pretty obvious possible motive without the Society having skeletons in the closet, regardless of whether it actually does or not

          • GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca
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            5 days ago

            I never took it as an accusation, more of an insult. I honestly don’t remember if he doubled down or not, but I do seem to recall he backed off after threats to sue. Dangerous insult to use. - if you call someone an asshole, it’s pretty clear it’s hyperbole. Pedophile, not so much.

            • Skua@kbin.earth
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              5 days ago

              He doubled down enough to hire a PI to investigate Unsworth and to tell Buzzfeed that they were “defending a child rapist” when they approached him for a comment, which is doubling down enough for me. He did claim it was all jokes and insults when Unsworth (unsuccessfully) tried to sue him for defamation