[JVillella]

Let me be more specific: why do the people speaking out about his "fortunate" past care so much? As long as it didn't come from something unethical, why does it matter to you?

I don't want read between the lines, but it's hard not to think it's a way for people to feel better about their own accomplishments by saying someone else had a massive head start.

Whether others do or don't, we should all be trying our best, be grateful for what we have, and proud of where we came from.

[warent]

There are at least two big points for people to care about.

The money did come from something unethical--his family was enriched by segregation; racism; apartheid. That emerald money is dirty and is likely a key reason why Elon would deny its existence.

This brings us to the second thing: Elon lying about this. He has demonstrated that he is willing to lie about something this significant, which should do real damage to his credibility and trustworthiness if we are being logical and objective. What else is he willing to lie about?

[55555]

Is there any business one could have owned in southern Africa as a white person during that period that you wouldn’t rule as tainted and unethical?

[zassy]

Nope, they also conviently leave out that Errol was an anti-apartheid member of a city council and actively tried to abloish Apartheid. If Errol is to be believed, his role in the history of Apartheid is probably the most commendable thing about him.

[concordDance]

The Emerald mine money (whatever small amount it was, likely under $70k given that seems to be the value of the plane he traded for the share) came from Zimbabwe. Its cleaner that Errol's propery money.

And Elon was misleading and disingenuous but could still make a case that he hasn't explicitly lied on these things.

[FireBeyond]

> As long as it didn't come from something unethical

Ahhh, those historic pillars of morals and ethics, sub-Saharan Africa precious stone mines...