TikTok has categorically denied a report suggesting Chinese officials are considering selling its US operations to Elon Musk, describing the claim as “pure fiction”.
The social media giant was responding to a Bloomberg report that alleged such a move could be an option if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds an imminent ban on the app.
“We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson told BBC News.
The Supreme Court will rule on a law that requires TikTok to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a ban in the country. Despite the ongoing legal challenge, TikTok has repeatedly stated its refusal to sell its US operations.
The Bloomberg report, citing unnamed sources, suggested that a scenario being considered by Chinese officials could see Musk's social media platform, X, take over TikTok's US business.
As a close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, Musk's ties have sparked speculation about his role in resolving the matter.
Trump, who will return to the White House on January 20, recently urged the Supreme Court to delay its decision until he takes office, with the goal of seeking a “political resolution.”
In a legal brief, Trump's lawyer stated that the president-elect “opposes banning TikTok” and wants to address the issue through political means.
Trump's position appears to have been reinforced by a recent meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Ro Khanna called for an extension of the Jan. 19 deadline.
During a Supreme Court hearing last week, the justices seemed likely to back the legislation. National security concerns dominated the nearly three-hour session, with the Biden administration arguing that TikTok poses risks of espionage and political manipulation if it remains under Chinese ownership.
TikTok has consistently denied any influence from the Chinese Communist Party, stating that the proposed ban violates the First Amendment rights of its users.
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