A single clip. A few words. And an internet firestorm that won’t die down anytime soon.
TikToker Fardowsa is now at the center of a growing online debate after a short video of her speaking about Elon Musk went viral. In the clip, she appeared to suggest that Musk would die soon, a comment many viewers immediately interpreted as a threat. What followed was outrage, backlash, and a direct response from Musk himself.
Fardowsa has now released an apology video, insisting the viral clip was taken out of context. But most people are not having it, and it seems the apology video may have stoked the fire even more.
The First Video That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began with a short circulating clip pulled from a longer TikTok video. In that snippet, Fardowsa appeared dismissive when Musk was mentioned and said people shouldn’t worry about him because he was “about to die.”
The tone, delivery, and lack of explanation alarmed viewers. With no surrounding context visible, the comment spread fast across X and TikTok, framed as a direct threat against one of the most high-profile figures in the world.
Screenshots, reposts, and reaction videos followed almost instantly.
BOOM! Elon Musk FIRES BACK at the Somali woman threatening his life
“Then IT IS WAR.”
When fraud is exposed – it’s always the fraudsters who yell and complain the loudest.
Their THEFT will come to an end. pic.twitter.com/K0sfl3DFl1
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2026
Elon Musk’s Response Raised the Stakes
Elon Musk did not stay silent. Responding on X, Musk wrote a blunt message that poured fuel on the situation. “Then it is war.”
That response changed everything. What might have stayed a niche controversy suddenly became a mainstream flashpoint. For many viewers, Musk’s reply confirmed the seriousness of the moment and added pressure on Fardowsa as the backlash intensified.
The Apology Video Changes the Narrative
As outrage peaked, Fardowsa posted a second video. In it, she apologized and claimed the viral clip was a small portion of a longer conversation.
She said her words were taken out of context, insisted she never intended to threaten Elon Musk, and clearly stated that she was not advocating any harm. She retracted the statement and apologized for how it came across. Critics say it came only after backlash exploded.
She’s retracting her threat, and says “[I am] truly in fear for my future!”
She said: “He about to die.”
Cowards.pic.twitter.com/aG1pRqYplt https://t.co/mMkGcIMu7u
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2026
Online Reactions Turned Aggressive
The backlash following her second video has been brutal. Many users dismissed the idea that the comment was misunderstood and are hurling insults at her.
“F××k her. She meant what she said. Get her a** out of my country today,” one viral comment read.
Another wrote, “She’s not sorry she threatened him. She’s sorry people caught her.”
The tone shifted from criticism to calls for punishment, and in some cases, removal from the country.
Some users began tagging institutions and officials. One widely shared post claimed Fardowsa is a premed student at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and questioned the school’s stance.
“She’s a premed student at @UMKC. You guys proud of your student making death threats let alone to one of the most brilliant minds of our time? It’s time to do the right thing here,” the comment said.
Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty amplified the pressure.
“Wow, really? Maybe that should change,” he replied.
Did Musk’s Response Push the Apology?
Many believe Musk’s “then it is war” response played a major role in forcing the issue into the open. Combined with widespread outrage, it may have pushed Fardowsa to clarify her words publicly.
Others argue the apology would have come regardless, once the clip gained traction. Either way, the sequence matters to how people judge the situation.
Now It’s Over to You
Was the original comment a real threat, or a careless statement stripped of context? Does the apology explain enough, or does it come too late? Should words alone carry consequences this severe?
You’ve seen both sides. You’ve seen both videos. Now the question is simple.
You decide.
