After being cleared of a terrorism-related charge in London, British right-wing figure Tommy Robinson has publicly thanked Elon Musk for footing his legal bills. The court ruled that Robinson’s arrest and questioning were unjustified, saying police had no real reason to suspect him of terrorism. Robinson hailed the verdict as a victory for free speech — and credited the world’s richest man for making it possible.
What the case was about
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was stopped by police in July 2024 while travelling to France. Officers questioned him about a large amount of cash in his car and asked for access to his phone. When he refused to hand over his passcode, he was charged under counterterrorism laws.He argued that his phone contained journalistic material and that the stop was politically motivated. On 4 November 2025, a London court agreed, ruling that authorities had overstepped and targeted him because of his beliefs rather than any evidence of terrorism.
How Elon Musk got involved
Before the trial, Robinson claimed that Elon Musk had stepped in to cover his legal expenses. Musk, who owns X, had already restored Robinson’s banned account and described himself as a defender of free expression.After his acquittal, Robinson publicly thanked Musk, saying, “First of all, thank you, Elon Musk… why has it taken an American businessman to fight for our justice here?” Musk hasn’t commented directly on the case but has previously voiced support for journalists and activists he sees as victims of government overreach.
Why Robinson is crediting Musk
Robinson says Musk did more than pay his lawyers — he also gave him a platform to speak freely. Since Musk bought Twitter and rebranded it as X, Robinson’s account was reinstated, allowing him to share updates and rally support.For Robinson, Musk represents someone powerful enough to challenge what he calls “state censorship” in Britain. Many of his supporters now view Musk as a global ally for right-wing voices who feel silenced by traditional media and institutions.
The wider debate
The case has reignited debate in the UK about the balance between free speech and public safety. Supporters of Robinson claim his acquittal shows how anti-extremism powers can be misused to silence political dissent. Critics, however, argue that Robinson — known for his anti-Islam activism and past convictions — is trying to rebrand himself as a free speech martyr.Musk’s involvement has also raised eyebrows. Some see it as a sign of growing transatlantic influence from tech billionaires in British politics, with money and platforms shaping narratives once controlled by traditional media.
