🎤 Did Matt Rife’s domestic violence joke cross the line?

It’s Friday, November 24 — people are talking about Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Media Matters, Matt Rife’s controversial standup joke, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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👨‍⚖️ Elon Musk sues Media Matters for defamation

Musk's X corp sued Media Matters over its report that ads appeared next to pro-Nazi content. Who will win the legal showdown?

👨‍⚖️ Axios: X sued Media Matters for defamation. The suit comes after Media Matters reported that ads were running on X next to pro-Nazi content.

👨‍⚖️ Read Elon's complaint for yourself here — it calls Media Matter's reporting a “blatant smear campaign”.

👨‍⚖️ The Federalist is on Elon’s side: Media Matters is a “left-wing propaganda” site that crafted a misleading study to pressure Elon into censoring X users.

👨‍⚖️ But Hot Air thinks Elon's odds of winning aren't looking so good. Media Matter's reporting may be “dishonest”, but it doesn't seem to rise to the level of fraud.

👨‍⚖️ Pajiba says Elon will likely lose, but it's too early to rule out courtroom surprises.

🎤 Did Matt Rife’s domestic violence joke cross the line?

Comedian Matt Rife's domestic violence joke sparked outrage. Was it a career-crippling move, or his way of catering to a male audience?

🎤 In his Netflix comedy special, Matt Rife made a joke about domestic violence. Forbes said it stirred up controversy, and Rife responded with a fake apology.

🎤 @the.self.defense.girl took issue with joke: It just wasn't funny.

🎤 Glamour agreed: The joke was uncreative and sexist. Rife made it to win male validation, but his fanbase was primarily women. No wonder it didn't land!

🎤 On the other hand, maybe Rife wasn't interesting in catering to his female audience? In an interview with variety, Rife said his “special is way more for guys”.

🎤 A Redditor on r/Standup had a different take: The joke was targeted to stir up controversy and get more views. Seems like it's working!

Quick hits

⏳ A four-day pause in fighting began between Hamas and Israel. Hostages from both sides will be released during the temporary truce. (The Hill)

🏈 Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland set a new NFL record with his 5th pick-six of the season. (ESPN)

🏛️ A woman accused NYC mayor Eric Adams of sexual assault for his actions in 1993. Adams denied the claim. (NYT)

🦃 The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe issued a statement that they did not endorse the actions of the man who raised a Palestinian flag on their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float. (WCVB)