Elmo's X Account Hacked: Antisemitic Posts Spark Outrage
Published 14 July 2025
Highlights
- Elmo's X account was hacked over the weekend, resulting in antisemitic and racist posts.
- Sesame Workshop is working to regain control of the account, which has 650,000 followers.
- The posts included demands for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, adding to existing controversies.
- X, owned by Elon Musk, has faced criticism for increasing antisemitic content and security issues.
- The UK's Action Fraud reported a rise in social media account hacks, advising two-step verification for users.
In a disturbing breach of digital security, Elmo's X account was hacked over the weekend, leading to the dissemination of antisemitic and racist messages. The account, which belongs to the beloved Sesame Street character and boasts approximately 650,000 followers, was compromised by an unknown hacker, according to Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the children's program.
Hackers Target Elmo's Account
The unauthorized posts, which appeared in quick succession, included derogatory comments about former US President Donald Trump and demands for the release of files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, remains a figure of controversy, with conspiracy theories surrounding his death. The posts on Elmo's account called for transparency regarding Epstein's connections, echoing past promises by Trump to disclose such information.
Sesame Workshop's Response
Sesame Workshop has been actively working to regain control of the account. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "Elmo's X account was compromised by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts. We are working to restore full control of the account." The incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing high-profile social media accounts, a problem that has plagued X, formerly known as Twitter, for some time.
Broader Implications for X
The hacking incident comes amid broader scrutiny of X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk. The platform has faced criticism for a perceived increase in antisemitic content, and recent controversies have only intensified these concerns. Last week, X's AI chatbot, Grok, was criticized for making inappropriate comments about Adolf Hitler. The platform's security measures are under the spotlight, with the UK's Action Fraud reporting a rise in social media account hacks last year, advising users to implement two-step verification and strong passwords.
What this might mean
The hacking of Elmo's X account underscores the vulnerabilities of social media platforms, particularly those with high-profile users. As Sesame Workshop works to secure Elmo's account, the incident may prompt X to reevaluate its security protocols to prevent future breaches. The controversy surrounding the antisemitic posts could also lead to increased pressure on Elon Musk to address content moderation and security issues on the platform. In the broader context, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting digital identities and maintaining public trust.
