Ololade Adeyanju/
Elon Musk has ignited renewed controversy after responding to criticism surrounding Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, drawing strong reactions from actor Alec Baldwin and others in Hollywood.
The dispute began after conservative commentator, Matt Walsh, questioned the casting of Nyong’o, an Oscar-winning actress, in the role of Helen of Troy, a figure in Greek mythology traditionally described as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Walsh suggested the decision reflected pressure to avoid casting a white actress in the role, a claim that quickly spread across social media.
Musk, the owner of X, publicly agreed with Walsh’s criticism, escalating the debate.
He later responded to a related post by the New York Post’s Page Six, writing: “I agree that she is beautiful, but casting a Black woman to play a White woman in a foundational work of European literature is no more right than casting a White man to play Shaka Zulu!”
The comment triggered further backlash and counter-reactions from figures in the entertainment industry, including Alec Baldwin, who defended Nyong’o’s casting.
In a post shared on Instagram, Baldwin wrote: “Dear Elon… but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world…Alec,” alongside an image of the actress.
Director, Christopher Nolan, has not directly responded to the criticism, though the film has already faced wider debate over its casting choices, including reports involving other high-profile performers attached to the project.
The controversy continues to intensify online, with critics accusing Musk of inflaming cultural and racial debates, while supporters argue he is raising questions about fidelity to source material and historical representation in film adaptations.
