Pennsylvania Official Steps Down Following Backlash to Video Seemingly Mocking Elon Musk's Controversial Salute

By
Laura Smith
Pennsylvania official, Laura Smith, in viral TikTok video IBT

A Pennsylvania official has resigned from her roles on the Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors and other organizations after facing backlash for a viral video in which she appeared to mimick a gesture recently made by Elon Musk.

The controversy began after Elon Musk, during an event for President Trump's inauguration, made a gesture that some likened to a Nazi salute, though the Anti-Defamation League later called it an "awkward moment" rather than intentional.

Despite the clarification, Musk faced criticism after doubling down with Nazi-related puns and appearing at a far-right event in Germany.

Afterwards, Laura Smith posted a TikTok video mimicking Musk's gesture, which quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism, NBC Philadelphia reported.

In the video, Smith tapped her chest and extended her arm while saying, "My heart goes out to you," appearing to mock Musk's original gesture. After the video was reposted widely on social media, Smith deleted it and released a statement claiming her actions had been mischaracterized.

Nevertheless, the Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors announced plans to accept her resignation, stating such behavior was unacceptable. Smith also resigned from her positions on the boards of Knights for Life and the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.

The Township Board plans to formally address her resignation in a public meeting.

Originally published on Latin Times

Tags
Pennsylvania, Elon Musk, Nazi
Join the Discussion
More Law & Society
Donald Trump Hillary Clinton

Trump CIA Chief Suggests Hillary Clinton Could Face DOJ Prosecution: 'That's Why I Made The Referrals'

Why D&O Insurance Must Be Reworded and Triggered by Consultants

Legal Minefields: Why D&O Insurance Must Be Reworded and Triggered by Consultants Independent of Insurance Brokers or Lobbyists

Jessica Gasser

No Jail for Texas Mom Accused of Medical Child Abuse in Munchausen by Proxy Case

Dems Rename GOP ‘Pedophile Protection Party’ After Breaking Report of

Democrats Rename GOP 'Pedophile Protection Party' After Breaking Report of Trump in Epstein Files