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Musk Defends Tweets in Twitter Shareholder Trial, Calls 2022 'On Hold' Post Not His Wisest

The case tests if his 'temporarily on hold' tweet misled investors despite a signed no‑diligence deal.

Overview

  • Testifying for a second day, Musk told jurors he did not intend to move Twitter’s stock and said he was simply speaking his mind as markets reacted unpredictably.
  • He reiterated that Twitter understated fake accounts, insisting the bot share far exceeded the 5% the company reported in SEC filings.
  • Plaintiffs focus on Musk’s May 13, 2022 post declaring the deal “temporarily on hold,” arguing the contract gave him no such authority and that shares later traded about 32% below the $54.20 offer.
  • Evidence shown includes Barclays emails discussing a chance to revisit price and a timeline of statements like “cannot go forward,” which investors say prompted sales at losses.
  • The trial is ongoing in San Francisco through March 19, and the judge is weighing whether Musk’s remarks about a Delaware judge could narrow attorney‑client privilege protections.