The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has hit out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump on Twitter for referencing her 2019 film and the “red pill” term that she co-created.

Musk, who has recently become a father, posted a red rose emoji on Twitter and wrote alongside it: “Take the red pill”.

The billionaire followed it up with a meme featuring Laurence Fishburne’s character from The Matrix, and joked about taking both night and day flu relief at the same time.

US President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, quickly replied to his first tweet, writing: “Taken!”.

Director Wachowski responded to Trump’s tweet, writing: “F*** both of you.”

The red pill/blue pill concept comes from the first of the Matrix trilogy, when Morpheus, played by Fishburne, offers Keanu Reeves’ character Neo the chance to learn the truth.

In the well-known movie scene, Morpheus says: “This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill: the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.

“You take the red pill: you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

In the film, Neo chooses to take the red pill and join the rebellion.

The red pill concept has been adopted online by right wing groups and men’s rights activists since the film’s release.

Wachowski, who came out as transgender in 2016, followed up her response by sharing a link to the Brave Space Alliance, a Chicago LGBTQ support centre.

“Support @BSAllianceChi if you can,” she wrote.

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The fourth Matrix movie, which is directed by Wachowski’s sister, Lana, had been due for release this week, but is now understood to have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Keanu Reeves and Canadian actress Carrie-Ann Moss will both reprise their roles in the film.

Tesla boss Musk meanwhile has recently ignored government rules, reopening his California plant despite orders to stay closed during the coronavirus lockdown.