Tesla boss Elon Musk said his planned cage fight with billionaire rival Mark Zuckerberg would be held at an "epic location" with an ancient Roman theme, as Italy indicated it was ready to stage the scrap.
Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement that he had spoken to Musk about hosting a "large charitable and historically evocative event".
He did not specify what the event would be, or when it might be held, saying only that it would not take place in Rome.
Opposition politicians denounced his willingness to let the social media and tech moguls fight it out in Italy.
"I find it simply mind-boggling that the Italian cultural heritage is being made available to two billionaires who want to indulge themselves like foolish teenagers," said Carlo Calenda, a former industry minister and head of Azione party.
"There are things that simply are not for sale. One of these is the dignity and history of a great nation," he said.
Musk and Zuckerberg have been egging each other into a mixed martial arts (MMA) cage match since June.
At one point, Musk said Rome's ancient Colosseum would host the fight, but Italy ruled that out. However, the owner of media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, said on Friday that the clash would nonetheless have an ancient Roman theme.
"Everything in camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all. I spoke to the PM of Italy and Minister of Culture. They have agreed on an epic location," the Tesla CEO said in a post on X.
Sangiuliano said on Friday that any event would respect and safeguard Italy's heritage sites.
"It will not take place in Rome. Above all, a substantial amount, many million euros, is expected to be donated to two important Italian pediatric hospitals for strengthening facilities and scientific research to combat children's diseases," he said in a statement.
"It will also be an opportunity to promote globally our history and archaeological, artistic and cultural heritage," he added.
Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper suggested that if the fight happened, it might be staged in Pompeii, near Naples.
Musk threw down the gauntlet to Zuckerberg in a June 20 post, saying he was "up for a cage match" with his business rival, who is trained in jiujitsu.
A day later, Zuckerberg, who has posted pictures of matches he has won on his company's Instagram platform, asked Musk to "send location" for the proposed throwdown.
© Thomson Reuters 2023.
12 Comments
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餓死鬼
Just get on with it. Do it behind the bike sheds after school or something.
Express sister
Musk came out with an “ow my back, oh no we’ll have to postpone again, like last time when my mommy said I couldn’t come out to play”, like the coward he is. Then with his “but let’s have a practice in your garden with no-one watching” nonsense, Zuckerberg was right to say he’s not serious. At least Mark can now dedicate himself more thoroughly to pretending to enjoy human activities. Because he is a human and definitely not a weird robot. Yes.
Shanghai Bobby
I wish I had tickets.
EFD
The world's most effective set of hair plugs is not going to risk them for something as stupid as keeping his word.
I mean, if he was interested in that, "X" wouldn't be a cesspool of nazis, xenophobes and misogynists.
opheliajadefeldt
Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiulianon said, 'It is a chance to promote globally our history and archaeological, artistic and cultural heritage'..................Is he really serious? I should imagine nearly every one worldwide already knows Italy's history and heritage. Why not hold it in a country that needs real assistance so all the money raised could go to feeding the poor starving population.
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
I really hope they both rip each other's skin masks during the fight and expose themselves as reptilian shapeshifters, that then opens up the world to the realities of the recent disclosure of UAPs.
Then I hope Lizard Musk makes Lizard Zuck drink water like a human while in a headlock.
Can't wait
apeman
Man-child vs. Conspiracy Theorist. Just what the world needs. What an embarrassment
Wandora
Is it really or is this the usual leftist hyperbole? Would love to hear from people who actually use it.
Jimizo
I use it.
I like the parody accounts and the footy.
It is a bit of a cesspool of sock-puppets, trash ‘influencers’, conspiracy theorists, xenophobes and misogynists. I haven’t come across any Nazis.
A lot of dregs on there.
Wandora
Ho hum. I meant other than Jimizo.
Coulda been
Yawn
winston
Musk already backed out by saying he needed surgery and being a wimp
Zuckerberg has moved on
This was old news yesterday
This site always old news