The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has condemned Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump for referencing the “red pill” term that she co-created.
In the 1999 film, Keanu Reeves’ Neo is offered the opportunity to see the truth of the world by taking a “red pill”.
A “blue pill” means continuing to exist in a state of blissful ignorance.
Since the film’s release, the terms have been co-opted by the right-wing, with references to the pills becoming a popular meme in men’s rights activists circles and among the alt-right.
On Twitter, Musk tweeted “Take the red pill” along with a red rose emoji – which the US president’s daughter Ivanka then quote-tweeted, adding: “Taken!”
In response, Wachowski condemned the pair, replying to Trump’s tweet: “F*** both of you”.
She also shared a link to the Brave Space Alliance, a Chicago LGBTQ support centre and the first to be led by black and trans people.
In recent weeks, Musk has threatened to restart his Tesla factories in California, calling the decision by the state to temporarily close all businesses a “fascist” move.
Wachowski, meanwhile, had been in production on the forthcoming fourth Matrix film before it was paused due to the pandemic.
