American actress, Ayo Edebiri, slams Elon Musk over casting rumor that led to death threats

American actress and comedian, Ayo Edebiri, has called out billionaire, Elon Musk, for amplifying a false report that led to a wave of racial abuse and death threats against her.

A fake report, which began in February 2024, claimed that Disney was considering Edebiri as Johnny Depp’s replacement in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.

Musk reacted to the rumor with a dismissive post, saying, “Disney sucks.”

Edebiri has now taken to her Instagram story to address the controversy.

Sharing Musk’s post, Edebiri wrote:

“Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life (idk if it’s the #1 moment, but for sure top 3) for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man.”

She went on to call Musk an “idiot” and referenced past allegations about him, saying, “So not only is he double Sieg Heil-ing fascist, he’s an idiot but anyway.”

Edebiri also backed comedian Bill Burr’s recent criticism of Musk. During an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, Burr referred to Musk as “evidently a Nazi” after controversial gestures he made at Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Burr further mocked the billionaire’s appearance, calling him an “idiot” with “dyed hair plugs and a laminated face.”

Edebiri responded to Burr’s remarks with a bullseye emoji, signaling her agreement.

Despite the online firestorm, Edebiri confirmed that she was never involved in any Pirates of the Caribbean project.

While producer Jerry Bruckheimer has hinted at a reboot, no official casting details have been announced, and Johnny Depp’s return remains unlikely.

Meanwhile, Edebiri, known for her Emmy-winning role in The Bear, will next appear in A24’s horror film Opus, set for release on March 14.