In a stunning twist to what is usually one of America’s most celebratory and unifying holiday broadcasts, a fictional public dispute erupted online Thursday morning when tech titan Elon Musk publicly criticized the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to feature Post Malone as the headliner for the team’s iconic Thanksgiving halftime show. The performance traditionally marks the kickoff of the Salvation Army’s beloved “Red Kettle Campaign,” a nationally televised moment that draws millions of viewers.

“The Cowboys Completely Missed the Moment”

Cowboys Organization Stays Silent—but Sources Speak

Fans Take Sides—and the Debate Explodes

Post Malone Responds—Calmly, Unexpectedly, and Powerfully

Musk’s Final Word—“I Stand By What I Said”