X may face loss up to $75 million in advertisement
- Elon Musk's endorsement of an antisemitic post has caused several major brands to pause their advertising campaigns on X.
- An internal document lists over 200 companies that have halted or considered pausing their ads on X.
- X's U.S. ad revenue has declined at least 55% year-over-year since Musk's takeover.
Brand Exodus and Lawsuit: Elon Musk's X faces a significant financial blow, with a potential $75 million advertising revenue loss by the year's end. The platform confronts a mass exodus of major brands, including Walt Disney and Warner Bros Discovery, prompted by Musk's endorsement of an antisemitic post. In response, X counters with legal action, suing Media Matters for alleged defamation. The lawsuit challenges a report linking ads from major brands like Apple and Oracle to content promotingAdolf Hitler and the Nazi party.
Widespread Advertiser Concerns: Internal documents disclosed this week reveal over 200 paused or reconsidered ad units from renowned companies such as Airbnb, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft. Advertisers express concerns about their association with X amidst heightened hate speech following Musk's October 2022 takeover and reduced content moderation.
Revenue Volatility and Decline: X acknowledges a potential $11 million revenue loss, with figures fluctuating as some advertisers return and others adjust spending. Since Musk's takeover, the platform's U.S. ad revenue has seen a sharp decline, dropping at least 55% year-over-year each month, according to previous reports by Reuters. The company's response to the evolving advertiser landscape remains crucial amid ongoing challenges.