'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
TikTok has denied the claims of China selling the platform’s US operations to Elon Musk, by calling it “pure fiction.” The statement by the short video-sharing application came in response to a report by Bloomberg claiming that China is considering selling TikTok’s operations in the United States of America to Elon Musk, in order to dodge the ban.
A spokesperson told BBC:
"We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction.”
Furthermore, as soon as TikTok’s statement and denial of selling the platform to Musk made way on social media, several netizens began reacting to the news. An X user, @PopCrave also shared the statement on the platform, to which, another user responded and said:
“We dodged a bullet.”
Furthermore, others also said:
“They denied this rumor within minutes i know they hate that man just as much as we do,” wrote one social media user.
“THANK THE LORD I LITERALLY JUST CHEERED OF JOY,” added another.
“Thank god, he ruined this app,” claimed one more X user on the post.
“I wonder if he will still make an offer,” stated another one.
On the other hand, there were several others who also stated how they would rather have the app banned than owned by Elon Musk.
“I’d rather have the app banned than let Elon Musk get his hands on it,” stated one netizen.
“I’d rather the ban than him having tiktok too,” said another.
“We can all sleep peacefully now,” added one more.
Supreme Court to rule on TikTok's future in the US amid January deadline
TikTok has denied the claims of several publications, making it clear that they are not considering selling their platform’s US operations to Elon Musk, the CEO of X.
On the other hand, BBC reported that the Supreme Court is all set to decide TikTok’s fate in January, as they had set a deadline of January 19, 2025, for the platform to decide whether they want to sell their company, or would face a probable ban in the country.
However, the publication also reported that X has repeatedly denied selling its operations in the country.
The statement by TikTok officials came after Bloomberg published a report on Monday, January 13, 2025, stating that the Chinese government is all set to sell the platform to Elon Musk to prevent the app from being banned in the country.
Bloomberg also claimed that China is reportedly considering various options, including a backup plan.
This is because if the deadline is missed, internet service providers supporting TikTok in the U.S. could face penalties. Furthermore, Elon Musk also spoke about TikTok facing a ban in April 2024 and stated that, in his opinion, the app should not be banned by the country's lawmakers.
Writing on X, the Tesla owner said:
“In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the 𝕏 platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.”
On the other hand, Shark Tank star, Kevin O’Leary has also expressed his will to buy the platform, however, as per City News Calgary, he claimed that he would need the support of the next President, Donald Trump for the same.
However, neither TikTok nor Donald Trump has reacted to Kevin O’Leary’s wish. On the other hand, Musk has also remained silent on the matter.
