Summary:
Elon Musk's new username “Kekius Maximus” creates a buzz among his 210 million followers.
The change triggered a 1600% surge in a memecoin of the same name.
Musk's new avatar features Pepe the Frog, a character tied to alt-right themes.
The name combines references to “Gladiator” and an internet slang used by trolls.
The Anti-Defamation League recognizes Pepe as a “hate symbol”, but most uses are non-bigoted.
Elon Musk's Mysterious Username Change
Elon Musk adopted the moniker “Kekius Maximus” on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, igniting speculation among his 210 million followers. This new handle is a curious blend of an alt-right symbol, a memecoin, and the lead character from the movie “Gladiator.”
Profile Picture Shift
In a move that has become typical of Musk, he also changed his profile picture to one featuring Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character donned in ancient Roman attire, holding a video game joystick.
Immediate Ripple Effects in Cryptocurrency
The change sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency world, causing the value of a memecoin with the same name to skyrocket by over 1600%. Internet sleuths quickly began searching for answers regarding whether this was a mere joke, a hidden message, or another attempt to influence the crypto markets.
The Significance of 'Kekius Maximus'
The name “Kekius Maximus” seems to combine “Maximus Decimus Meridius,” a character portrayed by Russell Crowe in the 2000 film “Gladiator,” and “kek,” an expression popular among the alt-right used similarly to “LOL.”
Pepe the Frog's Controversial Background
Pepe the Frog, originally from the “Boy’s Club” comic series, has gained notoriety for its association with the alt-right and white supremacy, with the Anti-Defamation League labeling it a “hate symbol.” However, the ADL acknowledges that most uses of Pepe are non-bigoted.
Teaser and Gaming Reference
Before the handle change, Musk teased with a post stating, “Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE,” referring to the popular video game “Path of Exile 2.” Musk is known to be a fan of the game, calling it a “hall-of-famer.”
Market Impact
Following Musk's handle change, the memecoin Kekius Maximus saw a staggering increase of over 1600% in value, trading at less than one-fifth of a dollar around 22:00 GMT. Historically, Musk’s commentary on social media has caused crypto prices to fluctuate dramatically, though it’s unclear if he has any direct involvement with this specific memecoin.
Influence and Criticism
Musk's account has become increasingly influential, often criticized for spreading misinformation since his acquisition of the platform for $44 billion in 2022.
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