Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the social media platform X, has stirred curiosity and controversy by changing his profile name to “Kekius Maximus,” BBC reports.
The name change, accompanied by a new profile image depicting the popular meme character Pepe the Frog dressed as a Roman soldier holding a game console, has left many speculating about its significance.
The name “Kekius Maximus” appears to combine references from internet culture, history, and popular media. The term “kek” originated as an internet slang equivalent to “LOL” (laugh out loud) among gamers and has since been co-opted by some far-right groups. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Kek is also the name of the god of darkness, occasionally depicted with a frog’s head.
The addition of “Maximus” could evoke associations with the lead character from the film Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, portrayed by Russell Crowe, adding another layer of interpretation to Musk’s choice.
The change has had an immediate impact on the cryptocurrency market. A memecoin named “Kek” saw its value surge following Musk’s rebranding. Known for his influence on digital currencies, Musk has previously caused significant market movements with his social media posts, though there is no confirmation of his involvement with this particular cryptocurrency.
Pepe the Frog, the character featured in Musk’s new profile image, is a widely recognized internet meme. While originally created as a benign cartoon character, it has been appropriated in some circles as a symbol by far-right groups, adding a layer of controversy to Musk’s choice.
As of now, Musk has not commented on the meaning behind his latest online persona or addressed the reaction it has generated.
The name change has sparked a mix of amusement, intrigue, and criticism online. Supporters of Musk have celebrated the move as another example of his penchant for unconventional and humorous gestures. Critics, however, have questioned the associations of the chosen symbols and their potential implications.
