Elon Musk has publicly criticized The New York Times after a decade-old opinion article addressing pedophilia resurfaced online amid renewed public scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The controversy began when Musk shared a post referencing a 2014 opinion essay titled “Pedophilia: A Disorder, Not a Crime,” written by Margo Kaplan, a law professor at Rutgers University. The social media post he amplified characterized the article as misguided. In response, Musk wrote that the newspaper was “utterly disgusting.”
The renewed attention comes as developments related to the case of Jeffrey Epstein continue to generate widespread public reaction, with documents and reporting prompting ongoing debate.
Kaplan’s essay argues that pedophilia — defined as a persistent sexual attraction to prepubescent children — should be understood primarily as a mental health condition rather than solely through a criminal justice framework. In the piece, she distinguishes between the attraction itself and the criminal act of child sexual abuse, emphasizing that abuse remains illegal and punishable under the law.
Citing research estimates, Kaplan notes that a small percentage of the male population may experience such attractions beyond puberty. She contends that current legal systems focus largely on punishment after an offense has occurred, rather than on preventative interventions that could reduce the risk of harm.
The essay suggests that recognizing pedophilia as a mental health disorder could encourage individuals experiencing such attractions to seek professional support before committing crimes. Kaplan compares this approach to public health strategies used in addressing substance use disorders and other behavioral conditions.
She also challenges the notion that pedophilia is a voluntary choice, referencing research that explores potential neurological factors. However, Kaplan acknowledges limitations in available data, much of which is derived from studies of convicted offenders due to the stigma surrounding the subject.
In the article, she further discusses the social consequences faced by individuals who identify as having the disorder but report no intent to act on their impulses. At the same time, she underscores the need to balance any consideration of legal protections with child safety concerns, stating that safeguarding minors must remain paramount. As an example, she writes that individuals with such attractions should not be placed in roles, such as elementary school teaching, that involve direct access to children.
The resurfacing of the essay has reignited debate online about how society should address the issue of pedophilia, particularly in the context of ongoing public attention to high-profile sexual abuse cases.
