Elon Musk’s Grooming Gangs Debate: Is There More Than Meets the Eye

As of January 9, an attempt by the Conservative Party to have the UK government set up a national inquiry into grooming gangs has been emphatically rejected, with 364 votes against it and only 111 in favor, a margin of 253 votes. This amendment, attached to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, would have effectively killed the bill had the vote gone through. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had argued that the government’s refusal to hold an inquiry risked fueling accusations of a “cover-up,” while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer countered by stating that multiple inquiries had already been conducted into gang-related abuse and that another probe would only delay the victims’ desire for action.

The issue of grooming gangs in the United Kingdom has long been a contentious topic, but recent developments have reignited the debate. On 7 January, United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed accusations by Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, who alleged that Starmer was “complicit in the rape of Britain” during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013. Musk criticized Starmer for purportedly failing to adequately tackle grooming gangs during his time at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

These remarks align with calls from senior Conservatives and Reform United Kingdom’s Members of Parliament (MPs) for a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation. However, Starmer dismissed these actions as “bandwagoning” and accused opposition MPs of “amplifying far-right narratives” for political gain.

Amid these developments, the broader question lingers: Is Musk genuinely pursuing justice, or is this part of a larger political agenda? Notably, leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre have also accused Musk of overstepping boundaries and interfering in political affairs.

What Prompted the Recent Debate on Grooming Gangs in the UK?

Musk’s remarks came amidst growing calls from senior Conservatives and members of Reform UK for a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation. The demand for such an inquiry stems from longstanding public outrage over systemic failures exposed by high-profile cases, such as the Rotherham scandal, where over 1,400 children were sexually abused between 1997 and 2013.

Musk has made several posts, starting in late December and continuing through January, criticizing UK officials for their handling of grooming gang cases. On December 31, 2024, Musk tweeted in response to a post accusing the government of covering up grooming gang crimes: “The government officials responsible, including those in the judiciary, need to be fired in shame over this.”

On January 1, 2025, Musk continued his outspokenness, accusing Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, of refusing to back a public inquiry into child exploitation in Oldham. Musk’s posts often invoked support for figures like Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist, and pushed the narrative of systemic failures in the UK’s response to grooming gangs.

On January 2, Musk criticized Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, for his role as head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) during the years in which these grooming gang cases were prevalent. Musk’s posts repeatedly called for Starmer to resign, stating, “ Starmer was complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN when he was head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years.” “Starmer must go and he must face charges for his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain”, he added.

Since then, Musk has used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to amplify his criticism of Starmer, sharing reports on CPS failings and engaging with figures like Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist known for his controversial views on immigration and Islam.

Also See: Rise of Far-Right in Europe, UK Sets an Opposite Course

What is the Grooming Gang Scandal?

The grooming gang scandal refers to a series of horrific cases involving groups—often of Asian background—sexually exploiting young girls, predominantly from white working-class communities. A 2014 report by Professor Alexis Jay revealed that in Rotherham alone, over 1,400 children were sexually abused between 1997 and 2013. The scandal sparked public outrage, exposing systemic failures within the CPS and law enforcement. 

Starmer’s role as head of the CPS during a portion of this time has drawn scrutiny. Did he act decisively to address these systemic failures, or did political considerations constrain his efforts? Musk’s decision to spotlight this issue raises further questions: Is this about justice, or something else entirely?

Is Elon Musk Misrepresenting Pakistanis in Grooming Gang Scandals—What Does the Data Say?

While figures like Elon Musk and members of the Conservative Party attempt to paint a picture that Muslims and Pakistanis are major perpetrators of grooming gang crimes, this narrative is not supported by statistics. Conservative Party’s shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick, notably stated, “Not all cultures are equal: importing hundreds of thousands of people from alien cultures, who possess medieval attitudes towards women, brought us here.” However, data contradicts this claim, showing no disproportionate representation of Pakistanis or Muslims in group-based sexual exploitation cases.

High-profile cases involving individuals of Asian or Muslim descent are often cited, but they do not justify the blanket assertion that Islam or Pakistani culture is to blame for such crimes. Far-right figures like Tommy Robinson have long pushed the idea that grooming gangs stem from Islam and Pakistani culture, a viewpoint recently echoed by Elon Musk, who publicly supported Robinson’s cause. This rhetoric, however, raises concerns about perpetuating prejudice against Muslims. In this regard, the Muslim Council of Britain has called for a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation based on evidence, not bias. Let’s witness how it unfolds the truth.

Notably, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the blame for grooming gangs in UK cannot be laid on Asia, but “one rogue nation” Pakistan, a statement SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said was “true”.

Here, Musk’s focus on Pakistanis could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, especially as these remarks gain traction on a global stage. The portrayal of Pakistanis, who make up the largest Muslim ethnic minority group in the UK, as the primary perpetrators of grooming gang crimes risks stoking Islamophobic sentiments and reinforcing negative stereotypes about Muslims. The fact that Pakistanis represent a significant portion of the UK’s Muslim population amplifies the impact of such remarks, potentially inflaming public opinion against this community.

As the UK prepares for future elections and political shifts, Musk’s influence on the political discourse could play into the hands of right-wing groups seeking to scapegoat minority communities. The narrative he is helping to propagate may fuel political agendas that target Muslim immigrants, especially those of Pakistani descent. This narrative could also fuel a rise in hate crimes and xenophobia, impacting not just Pakistanis in the UK but also the broader Muslim community.

However, the question arises: Why did Musk specifically target Pakistanis and Asians in his comments? While Pakistanis are not the only group implicated in these crimes, the focus on this ethnic group could be linked to the political narratives surrounding immigration and Islam, often invoked by far-right groups like Tommy Robinson. Musk’s association with these figures suggests that his campaign may not only be about seeking justice for the victims of grooming gangs, but could also be reflecting broader anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiments that have been growing in Europe and the US.

Counter Perspective: Most Child Sexual Abuse Grooming Gangs Composed of White Men

While high-profile cases involving Pakistani men have dominated headlines, a recent Home Office report refutes the stereotype of “Asian grooming gangs.” The majority of child sexual abuse offenders in the UK are white men under the age of 30. Although some studies suggest overrepresentation among black and Asian offenders in certain cases, these instances are not representative of all grooming gangs.

Far-right narratives focusing on ethnicity detract from the broader issue of protecting vulnerable children, regardless of the perpetrator’s background. Tackling child exploitation should transcend racial and political divisions to prioritize justice and systemic reform.

The Global Curse of Grooming Gangs and Child Sexual Violence

Child sexual exploitation is not confined to the UK. Globally, over 370 million girls and women—1 in 8—have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)’s report. When considering broader forms of sexual violence, this figure rises to 650 million. Boys and men are also victims, with 240–310 million enduring similar abuses.

In conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo, displaced children are especially vulnerable. In Afghanistan, the practice of Bacha Bazi, where young boys are exploited by powerful men, persists despite international condemnation. Addressing child sexual violence requires a global commitment to dismantling systemic and cultural barriers.

How Will Elon Musk’s Rhetoric on Grooming Gangs Impact Politics and Global Relations?

While the issue of child sexual violence is undeniably serious, Elon Musk’s involvement hints at a broader geopolitical agenda, where he appears to be politicizing the issue to serve a larger narrative. This perspective gains credence from his active support for right-wing parties and figures in Europe and the U.S. His interactions with far-right groups have drawn backlash from European politicians who view his actions as destabilizing and divisive.

“Ten years ago, who would have imagined that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would be supporting a new international reactionary movement and intervening directly in elections, including in Germany,” remarked French President Emmanuel Macron.

Similarly, Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, expressed unease over Musk’s involvement in other nations’ political affairs: “This is not the way things should be between democracies and allies,” he told NRK. Similarly, a German government spokesperson downplayed Musk’s influence, stating, “Sensible and decent people are in the majority in this country.” Earlier, Elon Musk took part in a live-streamed hour-long chat with the leader of the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, Alice Weidel, on X later this week. In a post last month he said “Only the AfD can save Germany”.

Musk claimed that the party, running second in the polls, was the “last spark of hope” for Germany. He has also called the country’s Social Democratic chancellor, Olaf Scholz, “a fool” and its president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, an “anti-democratic tyrant”.

Musk’s close ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump amplify these concerns. After reportedly spending over $250 million to support Trump’s re-election, Musk has been tapped as a special adviser tasked with cutting the federal budget. This political engagement is deepening polarisation and challenging democratic institutions globally.

Musk, Trump, and the H-1B Visa Debate

It is also notable that Musk and Trump’s alignment with right-wing politics extends to immigration policies, including the H-1B visa program. India received 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued in 2023, reflecting a focus on strengthening U.S.-India ties. However, Trump’s MAGA base is divided on the issue, with some viewing it as a betrayal of the “America First” agenda.

Prominent right-wing voices like Laura Loomer have criticized Musk and figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy for supporting skilled immigration reforms. Despite the backlash, Musk and Ramaswamy advocate for merit-based systems and higher salary thresholds to attract global talent while addressing the U.S. skills gap. Critics like Steve Bannon argue that these policies benefit corporations at the expense of American workers, exposing tensions within Trump’s support base.

This internal division underscores broader tensions within US immigration policy. While far-right critics view the programme as an extension of policies that benefit large corporations, industry leaders argue that restricting H-1B visas could harm the US economy by driving talent to countries with more liberal immigration policies, such as Canada and Australia. The H-1B visa debate continues to be a point of contention within the US political landscape, with reform proposals seeking to balance the need for skilled foreign workers with the concerns of American workers.

Subtle Preparations for a Trump Administration

Developments in Musk’s political engagements suggest groundwork for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a Trump presidency. Recent reports indicate that Musk has been involved in discussions on economic decoupling strategies targeting China and reviewing defence partnerships in the Middle East. His controversial remarks on social issues and alignment with far-right figures are seen as efforts to shape a global narrative conducive to Trump’s agenda.

Musk-Trump’s Right-Wing Extremism, Islamic World, and the Political Divides

Trump’s return has also raised concerns about the promotion of right-wing ideologies and their potential impact on governance, including in Islamic countries. His Special Adviser, Musk, recently launched an online campaign to free Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist known for his anti-immigration and anti-Islam views. Musk posted several times on his X account, advocating for Robinson’s release from prison.

Trump’s previous Middle East foreign policy emphasized strengthening ties with Gulf monarchies while antagonizing Iran. The region is currently facing turmoil, including the Gaza-Israel conflict and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria. The U.S.’s mild response to the fall of Assad and HTS’s rise raises questions about regional stability.

In this context, Trump’s policies on U.S. foreign aid, diplomacy, and regional stability will be pivotal, particularly for countries like Pakistan, which have had complex relationships with the U.S. and regional powers. Elon Musk’s influence on Trump’s prospective presidency is evident in U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett’s letter, which raised concerns about foreign aid allegedly reaching the Afghan Taliban. Burchett stated, “The U.S. should not fund its enemies abroad,” a sentiment Musk amplified by retweeting the letter and questioning whether U.S. taxpayer money was being funnelled to the Taliban. This comes amid rising terrorist incidents in Pakistan under the Taliban-led administration in Kabul. Musk’s impact in both political and business domains—shaped by his views on technology, free speech, and social issues—could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy. Together, Trump and Musk’s shared ideologies may drive policies that reshape diplomatic relations and regional stability.

But Who is Tommy Robinson and What’s Behind Elon Musk’s Support for Him?

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul who’s built a career out of shaking things up, is back at it again—this time, by throwing his weight behind one of the UK’s most polarizing far-right figures, Tommy Robinson. For those not familiar, Robinson—real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon—is a convicted far-right activist currently serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court. His crime? Spreading lies about a Syrian refugee, Jamal Hijazi. But what’s really making waves isn’t just Robinson’s checkered past—it’s Musk’s controversial crusade to free him.

Musk, never one to shy away from controversy, took to his Twitter (now X) account to push for Robinson’s release, framing him as some kind of martyr who was only trying to expose a “grooming gang” scandal in northern England. The scandal, which alleges that authorities failed to act on sexual exploitation by gangs, is a deeply complex issue. But Musk’s take on it, at face value, has been less about justice and more about playing to the far-right’s anti-immigration, anti-Islam sentiment. His support of Robinson raises a question: Is Musk genuinely concerned about child exploitation, or is this part of a broader, more problematic narrative?

Musk’s foray into UK politics isn’t just about one activist. It’s about a larger trend—one where billionaires, tech giants, and populist movements blend to create a heady mix of influence, money, and ideology. Musk’s backing of figures like Robinson aligns with his flirtation with right-wing politics globally, particularly with parties like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). This isn’t just about one platform or one political party—it’s about shaping global discourse in ways that could destabilize entire democracies.

While Musk’s vocal support for Robinson has raised eyebrows in the UK, the political fallout is more than just an issue of public opinion. Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn’t mince words, calling Musk’s support “misjudged and misinformed.” And it’s easy to see why. Robinson’s promotion of toxic, false narratives has had real-world consequences. His infamous claim about a Syrian refugee attacking “young English girls” led to death threats, and, in the tragic case of the 2017 Finsbury Park terrorist attack, it was revealed that the perpetrator had been radicalized by Robinson’s materials. So, it’s no surprise that Musk’s public endorsements have stirred up a hornet’s nest of political division.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising element of all this is how social media giants are treating this kind of rhetoric. Musk, after acquiring Twitter, loosened the reins on content moderation, allowing figures like Robinson—who was banned for spreading hate speech—to return. Robinson’s return to the platform raises a critical question: Are we really willing to let social media be the breeding ground for dangerous ideologies?

Let’s not forget that Musk is also vocal about his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So, when you add his far-right leanings and global political commentary to the mix, it’s clear that Musk’s influence reaches far beyond the world of tech and into the very heart of political polarization. His presence in political discourse isn’t limited to just one country; it’s global, and it’s growing.

So, what does all this mean for countries like Pakistan, caught in the crossfire of geopolitics? The UK is one of Pakistan’s major allies in trade, defense, and counterterrorism, and Musk’s rhetoric on grooming gangs, particularly when it’s used to stoke division around immigration, could complicate diplomatic relations. If Musk’s far-right rhetoric takes hold, it could create a wedge in a relationship that’s vital for Pakistan’s global standing.

Last but not the least, Musk’s support for Tommy Robinson—and the far-right ideologies that come with it—raises some serious red flags. On one hand, it’s framed as a moral stand against child sexual exploitation, but on the other, it’s fuelling a political firestorm that’s threatening to consume democratic norms. As Musk continues to use his platform to amplify controversial figures and ideologies, the world’s political landscape could very well shift in ways that are hard to predict. One thing’s for sure: the stakes are high, and the consequences of this ideological dance will be felt far beyond Silicon Valley.

The Strategic Convergence of Far-Right Narratives: Global Power, Digital Influence, and Identity Politics

Coincidentally, when we connect the dots presented by empirical data, a deliberate convergence of far-right narratives across global power structures emerges. Digital platforms like Elon Musk’s X are increasingly used to amplify ideologies rooted in populism, Islamophobia, and coercive statecraft. For instance, the UK’s grooming gangs controversy, disproportionately framed as a ‘Pakistani issue’ despite broader demographic data, aligns with Canada’s potential political shifts under Pierre Poilievre—often labeled the Canadian version of Donald Trump. Poilievre’s leadership, which weakens Sikh diaspora influence, indirectly benefits India’s strategic goals by aligning with the global right-wing rise.

Moreover, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the blame for grooming gangs in UK cannot be laid on Asia, but “one rogue nation” Pakistan, a statement SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said was “true” hints a growing convergence of narratives highlighting a broader ideological convergence that transcends borders, aligning narratives about Islamophobia with statecraft.

This ideological convergence is further compounded by a broader narrative engineering that exploits public vulnerabilities, such as economic crises, fears of immigration, and the weakening of social cohesion. In Canada, Poilievre’s populist rhetoric against carbon taxes and his anti-“hyphenated society” stance directly tap into these vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, figures like Trump leverage Islamophobic tropes and aggressive posturing—particularly —with Trump promising ‘hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages aren’t released, Afghan Taliban accountability over US funding during Biden administration and leveraging Islamophobic tropes—signals the weaponization of identity politics for geopolitical gains. These dynamics signal a rise of ideological capitalism, where grievances are exploited, and digital propaganda is deployed to manipulate political discourse. In this context, Pakistan faces compounded pressures—from digital platforms like X to narratives that exploit perceived state instability.

Additionally, the rising influence of Indian-American leaders within the Trump administration, adds another dimension. On the other hand, the recent H-1B visa program, attracting diverse point of view within Trump camp, offers an intriguing layer to this global narrative. Despite the MAGA base’s division on immigration, with figures like Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy advocating for merit-based reforms, India benefits significantly from policies such as the H-1B visa, which accounted for 78% of the 2023 visas issued. This policy strengthens U.S.-India ties and aligns with India’s broader geopolitical goals, reflecting India’s increasing soft power influence. However, this policy is not without internal conflict, as right-wing critics argue it undermines the “America First” agenda, revealing deeper fissures within U.S. immigration policy.

In sum, these interconnected dots—spanning the UK, Canada, the U.S., and India—reveal a global ideological realignment. Far-right politics is not merely a domestic issue but part of a coordinated effort, amplified by digital platforms and strategic policy moves, where identity, immigration, and economic grievances are leveraged for broader geopolitical and domestic gains. This convergence suggests that populist resurgence and the weaponization of identity politics are redefining global power dynamics.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Natasha Matloob

Natasha Matloob is a former Assistant Editor at South Asia Times (SAT) and a student of International Relations at the National Defense University, Islamabad. She brought a rich academic and professional background to her editorial role, having previously served as a research intern at the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad.

Natasha actively contributed to several prominent publications, including The Friday Times, The Diplomatic Insight, and the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research.

Her research interests span defense and strategic studies, counter-terrorism, and Middle Eastern politics. Natasha has co-authored research papers on critical topics such as “Hybrid Warfare: Strategies and Counterstrategies in the India-Pakistan Rivalry” (Journal of Peace and Diplomacy, 2023), and “Pakistan and Afghanistan: Strategic Pathways for Economic Stabilisation and Growth in the Wake of Taliban Rule” (Spotlight, Institute of Regional Studies, May 2024). She regularly contributes op-eds and articles to various platforms, including CSCR, The Friday Times, The Diplomatic Insight, and IPS blogs, providing nuanced insights on the complex geopolitical dynamics of South Asia and beyond.

With a keen eye on the evolving trends in South Asian security, diplomacy, and regional politics, Natasha brought her expertise and editorial acumen to SAT, shaping narratives that influence critical discourse in international relations.

Haleema Khalid

Haleema Khalid is an Editor and Research Lead at South Asia Times. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor's in Social Work. Her research interests include exploring language's impact on society and culture.

Related posts:

UK to Relaunch Trade Deal Talks With India

Pakistan, Bangladesh Agree to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

Richard Grenell’s Push for ‘Free Imran Khan’ – What’s the Catch