- Text messages have been released between Elon Musk and several prominent tech and business figures.
- On several private exchanges, Musk and Jack Dorsey discussed the platform and Musk’s participation.
- “I trust you,” Dorsey said in one text to Musk.
Elon Musk And the Jack Dorsey Newly disclosed court records show that the billionaire Tesla has been privately tweeted multiple times before and after he became financially involved with the company.
Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, texted Musk on March 26, according to a transcript filed as part of Twitter’s ongoing lawsuit against Musk.
In his initial message to Musk about Twitter, Dorsey said, “A new platform is needed. It can’t be a company. That’s why I left.”
Musk responded quickly, according to the transcript, asking, “What should it look like?” Dorsey proceeded to explain what he had said publicly, that Twitter should become an “open source protocol” somewhat similar to what Signal did, referring to the encrypted messaging app. Dorsey also said Twitter “can’t have an advertising model.” Advertising is currently the central business model for social media companies.
He told Musk Dorsey, “I’d like to help if I’m able.” Dorsey proceeded to tell Musk that he had already pushed to be added to the Twitter board a year ago, but the Twitter board “refused.” He added that the Twitter board deemed Musk “more dangerous,” which I thought was completely stupid and backward.
“That’s when I decided I needed to work to leave, as it was hard for me,” Dorsey continued. This was also the time when activist investor Elliot Management got involved in Twitter, calling for a number of changes to the company’s business toward growth and profitability.
While Dorsey’s contact with Musk on March 26 was noted in a subsequent filing with the SEC about Musk’s final bid for Get Twitter For $44 billion, details of the exchanges were not disclosed. Subsequent texts are also not mentioned at later dates.
When Musk struck a deal on April 5 with Twitter to join its board of directors, the day after his more than 9% stake in the company was announced, Musk texted Dorsey to set an appointment to “talk confidentially.”
Two hours later, the two sent a text indicating the call. Dorsey told Musk he “couldn’t be happier that you’re doing this.”
“I’ve wanted it for a long time,” Dorsey added. “I got really emotional when I finally knew it was possible.”
When Musk asked Dorsey to advise him if he was doing or not doing “something stupid,” Dorsey replied, “I trust you but Dave will.”
Are you a Twitter employee or someone with the insight to share? Connect with Kali Hays at [email protected], on the secure messaging app Signal at 949-280-0267, or via Twitter DM at @hayskali. Communicate using a non-work related device.
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