How Elon Musk Amplified a False Memo Claim, Spreading Misinformation

Elon Musk has recently drawn criticism for his online accusations against former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown concerning grooming gangs. The claims Musk amplified are based on a debunked narrative regarding a Home Office memo purportedly issued 17 years ago. BBC Verify’s investigative research has dismantled these allegations, finding no evidence of such a document.

The Origin of the Baseless Memo Claim

Social media posts have circulated for years alleging that a 2008 Home Office document advised police not to intervene in child grooming cases, claiming victims had "made an informed choice about their sexual behavior." These claims gained significant traction after Musk amplified them on his platform, X, formerly Twitter. One of his posts, viewed over 25 million times, accused Gordon Brown of "selling those little girls for votes."

The origins of the claim trace back to a 2018 interview with Nazir Afzal, former Crown Prosecution Service chief prosecutor for north-west England. In this interview, Afzal incorrectly stated the existence of a Home Office circular that implied police should not act against child grooming gangs due to the victims' supposed consent. However, Afzal has since clarified that he never personally saw such a circular and admitted he had misunderstood.

No Evidence of the Memo

BBC Verify conducted extensive searches of Home Office circulars from the period in question and found no evidence supporting the memo’s existence. The circular cited by Afzal, 017/2008, does not contain the phrase "informed choice" and is unrelated to grooming gangs. The Home Office has consistently denied issuing any guidance that aligns with the claims.

Social Media Misinformation Surge

The claim gained unprecedented attention in 2024 when larger accounts on X amplified variations of it. Musk’s posts played a significant role in spreading these allegations, contributing to millions of views and reigniting public discourse. Campaigners like Maggie Oliver and other users also repeated the claims, often citing Afzal’s 2018 interview as their source.

Misinterpretation and Clarifications

Afzal, upon reflection, attributed his statements to a misinterpretation of discussions with police officers. He pointed to the wording in circular 017/2008, which addresses assessing harm to children. However, this section’s language does not support the idea of victims making "informed choices" about their abuse. Despite this clarification, the damage caused by the misinformation persists.

Official Responses

The Home Office, former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, and Gordon Brown have all categorically denied the claims. Brown’s spokesperson labeled the allegations as "a complete fabrication." The Home Office stated unequivocally that no guidance instructing police to avoid prosecuting grooming gangs has ever existed.

Broader Context of Failures

While the specific memo claim is false, broader failures in addressing grooming gang cases during this period have been well-documented. Reports, including the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse led by Prof. Alexis Jay, have criticized police and institutional responses for neglecting victims and prioritizing reputational concerns over protection.

The Consequences of Amplifying Misinformation

Musk’s amplification of these debunked claims highlights the risks of misinformation on social media platforms. Public figures bear significant responsibility for verifying allegations before sharing them with millions of followers. The enduring impact of these false claims underscores the need for critical thinking and accountability in online discourse.