Elon Musk has apologised for insulting a man who helped rescue 12 boys from a cave in Thailand.
The Tesla CEO was widely condemned for comments he made on Twitter about Vernon Unsworth, a British diver who played a key role in the rescue of the Wild Boar football team.
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Mr Unsworth told CNN that Mr Musk's offer of a mini-submarine to help get the children out was "nothing more than a PR stunt".
"He can stick his submarine where it hurts," he said.
In retaliation, Mr Musk penned an angry Twitter tirade in which he questioned Mr Unsworth's role in the operation and made the baseless accusation that he was a "pedo".
His remarks were met with universal disgust and he quickly deleted them.
Mr Unsworth told The Guardian he was "astonished and very angry" at the attack, and said he may take legal action.
Mr Musk has now apologised for his actions, again via Twitter.
"My words were spoken in anger after Mr Unsworth said several untruths and suggested I engage in a sexual act with the mini-sub, which had been built as an act of kindness and according to specifications from the dive team leader," he wrote.
The phrase 'stick it where it hurts' is generally understood as a slang term indicating dismissal rather than a sexual invitation.
"Nonetheless, his actions against me do not justify my actions against him, and for that I apologize to Mr Unsworth and to the companies I represent as leader. The fault is mine and mine alone."
"I am truly sorry if I offended anyone."
Newshub.
