Elon Musk sparked fresh controversy Sunday after publicly criticizing acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan just as the Grammy Awards began, turning a night meant to celebrate creativity into a flashpoint for online debate.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO weighed in on X while responding to a discussion about Lupita Nyong’o’s rumored involvement in Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey.
One user argued that casting Nyong’o as Helen of Troy would be disrespectful to Homer’s original depiction of the legendary figure, who was portrayed in ancient texts as light-skinned and blonde, and her beauty is said to have sparked the Trojan War.
Musk jumped on the thread with a blunt comment, writing, “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.”
Nyong’o’s role in the film has not been officially confirmed.
While reports first linked her to a Nolan project in November 2024, it was only revealed the following month that the director’s next film would be The Odyssey.
The cast already includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie and Elliot Page, with Travis Scott recently announced as the latest addition.
Musk’s comment spread quickly online, generating reactions from supporters and critics alike as users debated artistic interpretation, casting choices and the role of modern filmmakers in adapting ancient works.
The comment was also notable for its timing, coming just as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards were broadcast live from Los Angeles.
The 2026 Grammys will take place at the Crypto.com Arena, with Trevor Noah returning to host what is expected to be his final turn as emcee.
Kendrick Lamar entered the night leading the nominations with nine nods for his work on GNX, while the show airs live on CBS and Paramount+.
Performers scheduled for the evening include Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyler, The Creator, along with a collaborative performance by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
The ceremony also introduced two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
As the biggest names in music gathered to honor the year’s achievements, Musk’s attack on Nolan created a parallel online conversation, blending pop culture, movie casting debates and celebrity commentary into a viral moment that competed for attention with the awards themselves.
