Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Family Objects to Award Recipients Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch

The family of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is requesting for her name to be removed from an award. This decision comes after the foundation responsible for selecting recipients included SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch this year.

According to a statement obtained by CNN, Ginsburg's family expressed their concern that the Opperman Foundation has deviated from the award's original mission and the values that Justice Ginsburg upheld.

Ginsburg’s family clarified that they have no connection to the award and expressed their disappointment with this year's honorees, considering it disrespectful to the memory of the late justice.

They also backed a letter written by Trevor Morrison, a former clerk of Ginsburg, stating that not all of this year's recipients embody the values that the Justice stood for throughout her esteemed career, and for which she is highly respected globally.

Ginsburg, a beloved liberal member of the high court, passed away at the age of 87 in 2020. Throughout her tenure, she consistently supported progressive causes such as abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and immigration.

Joining Musk and Murdoch as recipients of the award are lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, actor Sylvester Stallone, and financier Michael Milken.

The Ginsburg award, as announced by the foundation on Wednesday, celebrates leaders who have shown outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

According to the announcement, the award has traditionally honored distinguished women, but this year, it was expanded to also recognize pioneering men and women. The recipient for 2023 was Barbra Streisand.

Julie Opperman, chair of the foundation, stated this week that "Justice Ginsburg fought not only for women but for everyone." She emphasized the importance of honoring both women and men who have made a significant impact on the world.

The Opperman Foundation did not respond to CNN's inquiry on Friday.

The foundation praised the honorees for their diverse backgrounds and impressive achievements in various fields. In the announcement, it was revealed that Stewart was one of Ginsburg's desired honorees, while Musk was recognized for his remarkable accomplishments.

The group praised Murdoch as "the most iconic living legend in media."

In a statement included in the foundation's announcement, Murdoch expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "This not only reflects my experience in the media and publishing industry but also symbolizes the unwavering support of civil liberties and dedication to civil discourse that Justice Ginsburg exemplified."

Barbra Streisand receives The Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award on July 1, 2023 in Malibu, California.

Barbra Streisand receives The Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award on July 1, 2023 in Malibu, California.

The Ginsburg family's statement and Morrison's letter did not mention any specific recipients that they disapproved of. However, they both agreed that the justice's name should not be associated with them.

Morrison, who once served as the dean of the New York University School of Law, noted that each of this year's awardees has achieved significant success in their careers and may deserve recognition in some way.

However, he expressed his belief that the choice to present them with the RBG Award is a clear departure from the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

CNN’s Devan Cole contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The decision by the Ginsburg family to request the removal of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's name from an award is a testament to their commitment to her legacy and values. The Opperman Foundation's inclusion of individuals whose views and actions contradict Ginsburg's unwavering support for progressive causes is a betrayal of her memory. The family's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of awards that honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

The Opperman Foundation's justification for expanding the award to include men and women is misguided. While it is important to recognize the achievements of both genders, the award was specifically created to honor Justice Ginsburg's groundbreaking work in advancing gender equality. By including individuals who have actively opposed progressive causes, the foundation has undermined the very principles that Ginsburg dedicated her life to fighting for. The Ginsburg family's request to remove her name from the award is a necessary step in ensuring that her legacy is not tarnished by the association with individuals who do not share her values.