John’s Crazy Socks dad Mark X. Cronin would like a sit-down with tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Cronin, who co-founded the Long Island-based business John’s Crazy Socks with his son John Lee, is calling on Musk to reconsider his use of the term “retard” — a slur historically used to demean individuals with intellectual disabilities — on the social media platform X, which Musk owns.
The father’s message comes after Musk recently used the term in an unfriendly reply to an X (formerly Twitter) user, sparking widespread criticism. Cronin’s son, John Lee, has Down syndrome.
Addressing the SpaceX and Tesla CEO directly in a video he posted on Instagram, the father and businessman spoke softly and from his heart.
“Elon Musk, we have to talk,” Cronin began. “As the father of a young man with Down syndrome and the leader of a business where more than half our colleagues have a differing ability, I feel compelled to address your recent comments.”
Musk on Jan. 5 used “retard,” a word many advocacy groups have condemned as harmful and dehumanizing, in a foul-mouthed X tirade directed at a student who called him out for allegedly spreading disinformation.
“Elon Musk is rapidly becoming the largest spreader of disinformation in human history, hijacking political debates in the process,” wrote Joni Askola, a Finnish grad student and activist for the defense of Ukraine. “The EU must take action!”
“F u retard,” responded Musk, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.
A recent study by Montclair State University found that use of the “R-word” has tripled on X since Musk took ownership, amplifying concerns about the platform’s role in shaping public discourse.
Cronin, whose Farmingdale-based company employs dozens of workers, emphasized the harmful history of the word.
“There was a time when using that term was acceptable. Yet in those times, that word dehumanized people with differing abilities—people like my son John,” he said. “That term denied people a sense of dignity and a place in our society.”
Cronin also highlighted the progress society has made in embracing individuals with differing abilities, noting John’s own accomplishments.
“John is an entrepreneur like you and has founded the world’s largest sock store,” he said. “And John is only one of a growing number of entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists, actors, athletes, and political activists, all with a differing ability.”
Cronin urged Musk to use his influence to promote inclusion rather than division.
“Language has the power to harm or uplift, to divide or unite,” he said. “You have the opportunity to champion a vision of inclusion where every person, regardless of their abilities, is treated with respect and celebrated for their unique gifts.”
An invitation to visit Crazy Socks
Cronin also extended an invitation for Musk to visit John’s Crazy Socks and meet John and their colleagues with differing abilities.
“Come see firsthand the potential and humanity that outdated stereotypes obscure,” he said.
The video concluded with a call to action for Musk to lead with compassion.
“This moment can be a turning point not just for you, but for the millions who look to you for leadership,” he said. “By choosing compassion, understanding, and inclusion, you can inspire others to do the same and help build a world where dignity and opportunity are extended to all.”
John’s Crazy Socks, founded in 2016, is a mission-driven company that employs individuals with differing abilities to create and sell colorful socks, with proceeds benefiting a range of charitable organizations.
Embed from Getty ImagesTop photos: At the left is Mark X. Cronin and his son, John Lee, co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks (GLI file photo). On the right is Elon Musk (Getty Images/Andrew Harnik).