Congressman Brad Sherman Blames Elon Musk and X Algorithm for In-Flight Photo Scandal

A US lawmaker is at the center of a viral controversy. Democratic Representative Brad Sherman was photographed viewing racy images on his iPad during a flight. He has publicly denied seeking out inappropriate content, instead blaming the incident on Elon Musk and the X platform’s algorithm.

The photos were taken by a fellow passenger and shared online. Sherman, a 71-year-old Congressman from California, asserts the images appeared unsolicited in his ‘For You’ feed.

Sherman Points Finger at X’s Algorithmic Feed

According to a report by the New York Post, a spokesperson for Sherman stated the incident was “nothing more than scrolling through Twitter.” The spokesperson directly criticized Elon Musk, claiming he has “ruined the Twitter algorithm to give people content that they don’t ask for.” This places the responsibility squarely on the platform’s content recommendation systems.

Sherman elaborated further in comments to Punchbowl News. He explained that the ‘For You’ feed is algorithm-driven. He denied intentionally viewing pornography. The congressman admitted to scrolling through over a thousand posts during the long flight.

Public Figures and the Perils of Algorithmic Content

This incident highlights the new challenges public figures face with social media. Personalized algorithms can sometimes surface unexpected or embarrassing content. For someone in a public role, this can quickly escalate into a reputational issue.

The fallout raises questions about personal responsibility versus platform accountability. While Sherman claims the content was unsolicited, the public nature of the incident forces a conversation about digital hygiene for officials. The event shows how a private moment can become a public scandal in the age of smartphones and viral posts.

The controversy underscores the unpredictable nature of social media feeds. Public figures like Brad Sherman are now navigating a digital landscape where their personal browsing can instantly become a national headline, with the blame shifting directly to tech leaders like Elon Musk.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly was Brad Sherman accused of?

A fellow passenger photographed him viewing images of women in scant clothing on his iPad during a flight. These photos were then shared online, leading to accusations of viewing inappropriate content in public.

How did Sherman explain the incident?

He stated he was simply scrolling through his X (formerly Twitter) feed. Sherman claimed the racy photos appeared unsolicited in his algorithm-driven ‘For You’ section, which he blamed on changes made by Elon Musk.

Did Sherman admit to looking at pornography?

No, he explicitly denied looking at porn. When asked if the content was appropriate, he reportedly said, “Is it pornography? I don’t think Elon Musk thinks so. Is it appropriate? No.”

What has been the public reaction to his explanation?

The explanation has generated significant discussion online. Reactions are mixed, with some criticizing his lack of discretion and others questioning the reliability of social media algorithms for public officials.

Why is this incident significant?

It highlights the tension between personal responsibility and the powerful, often opaque, content algorithms that shape our online experiences. It also demonstrates how quickly a private moment can become a public scandal.