LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk of stoking division in Britain through social media posts about the murder of student Henry Nowak.
The case has dominated headlines across the United Kingdom since Nowak’s killer, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced on Monday, June 1. Public outrage has intensified following the release of police body-worn camera footage showing officers appearing to dismiss the dying student’s pleas for help.
Speaking during a visit to North Yorkshire on Wednesday, Starmer criticised Musk for commenting on the case, saying the businessman was interfering in British politics and contributing to social tensions.
“Musk again has been interfering in our politics in the last few days, trying to whip up division. That is not who we are in Britain,” Starmer said. “In Britain, we are reasonable, tolerant people. When we have a terrible case like Henry Nowak’s, we react calmly, as his family have done.”
Starmer also condemned offensive images circulating on Grok, the artificial intelligence platform linked to Musk, saying Britain must challenge content that promotes division and hatred.
The fatal incident occurred in December 2025. Prosecutors said Digwa falsely claimed that Nowak had racially abused and assaulted him during a brief confrontation on the street before the attack.
Bodycam footage released during the investigation shows Nowak lying on the ground after being stabbed, repeatedly saying, “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe” while being handcuffed by police. One officer is heard responding, “I don’t think you have, mate.”
The footage has sparked widespread criticism and renewed debate over police conduct and the treatment of ethnic minorities by law enforcement.
Following the sentencing, Nowak’s family described the officers’ actions as “inhumane and degrading.” However, they also urged the public not to use his death to inflame social divisions.
“We do not want Henry’s death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension,” the family said in a statement.
Source: Reuters
