The nickname 'Apartheid Clyde' surfaced as a viral critique of billionaire Elon Musk, gaining significant traction after being coined by rapper Azealia Banks during a public feud. The term references Musk's childhood in South Africa and the wealth associated with his family's history, specifically regarding rumors of an emerald mine. In meme culture, it is used as a satirical label to challenge Musk's public persona, labor policies, and political shifts. Users often pair the text with images of Musk during his early career or recent public appearances to highlight perceived contradictions in his 'free speech' advocacy. The meme serves as a form of digital protest, widely shared across social media platforms like X and Reddit to critique the influence of tech moguls.