Ifunanya OkaforTikTok Dismisses Report of Potential Sale to Elon Musk as ‘Pure Fiction’
TikTok has dismissed a report claiming that China is contemplating the sale of its US operations to Elon Musk as “pure fiction.”
This statement comes after Bloomberg published a report suggesting that Chinese authorities are exploring the possibility of selling TikTok’s US division to Musk if the US Supreme Court upholds a ban on the app.
The Supreme Court is set to decide on a law that mandates a deadline of January 19 for TikTok to either divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban.
TikTok has consistently stated it will not sell its US business.
“We cannot comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News.
The Bloomberg report, citing anonymous sources, speculated that one potential option being considered by Chinese officials could involve Musk’s X platform taking over TikTok’s US operations.
Musk is known to have close ties with US President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20.
Recently, Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay its ruling until after his inauguration, allowing him to pursue a “political resolution.”
His lawyer submitted a brief stating that Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and wants to address the issue through political channels once he assumes office. This request came shortly after Trump met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
