TikTok has dismissed a report suggesting China might allow the sale of its U.S. operations to Elon Musk as “pure fiction.”
The statement was in response to a Bloomberg article claiming Chinese officials are exploring a scenario where the social media platform’s U.S. business could be sold to Musk if the Supreme Court upholds a potential ban.
The court is set to rule on a law requiring TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban by January 19.
Despite the pressure, TikTok has consistently stated it will not sell its U.S. arm.
“We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News.
Bloomberg’s report, citing unnamed sources, suggested one option under consideration is for Musk’s social media platform, X, to take over TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Musk has ties to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20.
Last month, Trump called on the Supreme Court to delay its decision, arguing for a “political resolution” after his inauguration.
A legal brief filed on his behalf stated Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and prefers to address the issue politically once in office.
This followed a meeting between Trump and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over the app’s future in the U.S.
Source-BBC
