Elon Musk ‘feared Twitter would SILENCE him’ as experts reveal ‘Game of Thrones style’ board seat battle

ELON Musk refused to join the Twitter board because they wanted to silence him, experts have claimed.

Twitter’s chief revealed Musk’s U-turn on Monday morning, saying it was “for the best” – but experts now fear a ‘Game of Thrones’ style battle.

Wikimedia Commons: Duncan HullElon Musk has declined to take up a seat on Twitter’s board[/caption]

Twitter / @paragaTwitter boss Parag Agrawal revealed that Musk would not be joining the company’s board[/caption]

Earlier this month, billionaire tech tycoon Musk became Twitter’s largest shareholder with a 9.2% stake.

On April 5, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced that Musk would be joining the board as a result.

But Tesla boss and world’s richest man Musk has now declined the offer.

Experts have told The Sun that the decision was likely because Twitter wanted to Musk to “take a back seat”.

“The Twitter Board likely wanted Musk quiet in the background on Twitter,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, speaking to The Sun.

“And clearly that was not happening. Game of Thrones battle now on the horizon.”

Musk and Twitter execs had multiple conversations about the SpaceX founder stepping up to the board.

It was pending a background check and formal acceptance.

But this week Twitter boss Parag tweeted: “Elon’s appointment to the board was to become officially elective April 9.

“But Elon shared that same morning that he will no longer be joining the board.

“I believe this is for the best.

“We have and will always value input from our shareholders whether they are on our board or not.

“Elon is our biggest shareholder and we will remain open to his input.”

In the days following his Twitter stock buy-up, Musk hinted at major changes to the app.

He polled users multiple times for their opinions on significant Twitter updates.

This included adding an edit button (later confirmed by Twitter), making Twitter’s subscription service ad-free, and even converting Twitter HQ in San Francisco into a homeless shelter.

Experts now think Twitter risks being targeted by a hostile Musk.

“In our opinion, the Twitter board and Musk could not come to an agreement around Musk’s communications with the public over Twitter,” said industry watcher Dan, in a note seen by The Sun.

“As he likely needed to take a more back seat, quiet stance as part of joining the Board.

“This now goes from a Cinderella story with Musk joining the Twitter Board…to likely a ‘Game of Thrones’ battle between Musk and Twitter.

“With the high likelihood that Elon takes a more hostile stance towards Twitter and further builds his active stake in the company.”

Twitter’s share price had risen significantly (by as much as 27%) in the days following Musk’s share purchase, but fell overnight.

Stock price had dropped by 8% at 4am New York time, but recovered to a fall of just under 3%.

Musk’s only response so far has been a ‘face with hand over mouth’ emoji sent via Twitter.

Experts are increasingly worried over an unpredictable reaction by billionaire Musk.

“Having someone like Musk on board was going to be met with mixed feelings,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore, speaking to The Sun.

“While all key stakeholders will welcome the rise in share price, his long-term intentions are unclear.

“The refusal to take a seat at the table has raised eyebrows and further raises uncertainty as to what is really going on and the long-term future.

“There must be a conflict of interest or a disagreement of some kind.

“Having said this, you cannot rule out further moves to increase his stake and control of the company.

“All options are still on the table.”

Musk had previously warned that Twitter risked failing to adhere to free speech principles.

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