A teenager facing the prospect of deportation from Denmark has addressed Elon Musk’s remarks regarding her situation.
Audrey Morris, 19, originally from Los Angeles, relocated to Denmark with her family when she was nine. The move was prompted by her mother’s pursuit of a PhD, leading them to settle in the Scandinavian country in 2015.
The Danish government reportedly decided against renewing Morris’s residence permit. The decision stemmed from her living apart from her mother in Aarhus while attending high school in Viborg, a neighboring city. This arrangement breached the terms of her temporary residency, which required residing at the same address as her mother.
The Daily Beast noted that while Morris was denied citizenship, her mother and brother had successfully obtained it.
The story of the 19-year-old gained significant traction on social media. A post on X outlining her circumstances caught the attention of Musk, who responded.
The CEO of Tesla replied to a now-deleted post, humorously suggesting that people rated “8 or above level hotness should get an exemption,” using a crying laughing emoji.
This comment left some feeling uncomfortable, and Morris herself has now addressed the situation. Speaking with The Daily Beast, she described the experience as ‘definitely crazy’ but admitted she was ‘not surprised’ by it.
“I guess you could say, because from the beginning, the second that my case was kind of made public, it has been about appearances and because, ‘oh, she’s blonde and she’s white!’ And so the thing he said in of itself wasn’t shocking to me, but coming from him, yes, it was definitely…I was floored,” she said. “It would’ve been really cool if he commented something like, ‘Oh wow, look how many academic things she’s reached,’ or whatever.
“That would’ve been great. It could have been so helpful.”
While some labeled Musk’s comment as ‘creepy’ and ‘crazy’, Morris added: “[But] if this just at least brings it to the attention of anyone who cares, then I’m fine with being embarrassed a little bit. That’s okay.”
Musk has yet to address the reactions to his tweet directly.
Morris eventually resolved her residency status, but the looming threat of deportation was a genuine concern, prompting her to devise a plan to return to the US if necessary.
In conversation with the Danish outlet, Stiften, Morris expressed: “I have my grandparents and some friends in the USA. But Denmark is my home. One hundred per cent. I am as Danish as a foreigner can possibly be.”
Speaking to Newsweek, she shared her displeasure at the response to her case being predominantly focused on her appearance. Morris stated: “My wish is for moral integrity and academic achievements never to be overshadowed by appearances because my faith teaches me that our true worth comes from God, not from how we look, but from our character, humility, and the values we live by.”
She further noted that the ‘support and kindness’ she received were ‘deeply touching and appreciated’.
“It is important now more than ever for society to recognize deeper measures of worth. I wish the focus on immigration could remain a matter of substance and integrity, which I believe the Lord calls us to honor above all else.”
“I feel a strong responsibility to use the voice I have been given to encourage a faith-based community for my generation.”