The ‘X’ logo that once adorned Elon Musk’s Twitter, headquarters in downtown San Francisco has been taken down, leaving behind a trail of complaints and controversy.
Over the weekend, the city building department received 24 complaints regarding the massive ‘X’ installed on the rooftop of the high-rise on Market Street.
Neighbors expressed frustration about the intrusive lights, prompting swift action from authorities.
The ‘X’ came to light after the billionaire who acquired X for a staggering $44 billion, pledged to keep the company in San Francisco despite the city’s challenges.
His post declared unwavering loyalty to the city amid an exodus of other firms.
However, the dazzling ‘X’ was short-lived.
City officials reported that the structure was voluntarily dismantled on Monday morning.
The Department of Building Inspection also revealed that the property owner would be held responsible for unpermitted installation fees.
While some locals recorded mesmerizing videos of the glowing, pulsing ‘X,’ others criticized its impact on the neighborhood, particularly the intrusive lights near residential areas.
Twitter user @itsmefrenchy123 expressed being “LIVID” at the sight of the bright logo, imagining it shining “right across from your bedroom.”
Criticism poured in on social media, with X user @DollyMarlowe voicing astonishment at the lack of consideration shown by the company.
Over the weekend, a Department of Building Inspection inspector reported that X representatives denied roof access to city officials twice, hindering inspection attempts. The company insisted that the signage was temporary.
As the controversy settles, the glowing ‘X’ may have been taken down from the skyline, but its brief presence has ignited discussions about responsible branding and the impact of corporate gestures on local communities.