In a recent development, Walmart has announced a departure from advertising on the social media platform X, opting for alternative platforms that better align with its customer engagement objectives.
A Walmart spokesperson clarified, «We’ve realigned our advertising strategy away from X, leveraging alternative platforms to enhance our customer outreach.»
Despite attempts to seek comment, X, formerly known as Twitter, has not responded promptly.
The platform has grappled with advertiser retention challenges since Elon Musk’s acquisition in October 2022, facing a recent exodus due to mounting concerns surrounding antisemitic content.
Elon Musk’s endorsement of false claims about the Jewish community, alleging their role in inciting animosity against white people, stirred controversy earlier this month. Musk referred to the user’s statements as «the actual truth.» The user also referenced the «Great Replacement» conspiracy theory, positing a deliberate plan by Jewish people and leftists to replace white populations with non-white immigrants, a concept linked to «white genocide.»
While Musk apologized during a New York Times DealBook event, he also criticized advertisers who suspended their ads, accusing them of «blackmail.»
According to an executive at a major ad-buying agency, X’s ad sales representatives displayed frustration post-Musk’s comments, offering limited responses in conversations.
In response to a report from liberal watchdog group Media Matters, major brands, including Apple, Walt Disney, and Warner Bros Discovery, suspended their ads on X this month. The report highlighted instances where ads appeared next to antisemitic posts.
