On Sunday, the son of the esteemed late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg expressed his dismay over the decision to honor SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch with an award named after his mother. He described this action as a “desecration of my mother’s memory.”
Jim Ginsburg, in a conversation with Paula Reid on “CNN Newsroom,” hinted at further actions if the foundation responsible for the award does not reconsider its decision. He emphasized his commitment to opposing what he sees as an insult to his mother’s legacy.
The Ginsburg family has formally objected to the Opperman Foundation’s choice of nominees for this year’s award through a letter. They requested the removal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s name from the award, given by a foundation not connected to the family.
The foundation describes the Ginsburg award as a recognition of individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their fields. Initially focused on honoring distinguished women, the award has recently expanded to include both men and women.
This year’s list of awardees includes not only Musk and Murdoch but also lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, actor Sylvester Stallone, and financier Michael Milken. Last year, the award was presented to Barbra Streisand.
When asked about his views on the inclusion of men among the awardees and his thoughts on the specific individuals chosen, Jim Ginsburg pointed out his particular concern with Musk and Murdoch. He suggested that these choices do not align with the vision of creating a more equitable society, a goal his mother tirelessly worked towards.
Jim Ginsburg believes his mother would have been deeply troubled by these selections.
The Opperman Foundation has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Jim Ginsburg’s remarks. CNN has also sought comment following his interview.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 87, was known for her liberal stance on the Supreme Court. She consistently supported progressive views on key social issues such as abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and immigration.
The foundation characterized the 2024 awardees as a mix of groundbreaking innovators and experienced professionals from various sectors.
According to the foundation’s announcement, Martha Stewart was among those Ruth Bader Ginsburg had hoped would be honored. Elon Musk was praised for his “stratospheric accomplishments,” and Rupert Murdoch was hailed as a legendary figure in media.
However, Jim Ginsburg contends that the chosen honorees do not reflect the values and principles his mother championed. He believes they stand in opposition to her lifelong efforts to foster equality, inclusivity, and respect for all.
This report includes contributions from CNN’s Tierney Sneed.