In a shocking and controversial statement that has sent shockwaves through the business world and LGBTQ+ communities globally, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the electric vehicle maker will double its prices for LGBTQ+ customers. The billionaire, known for his defamatory statements on social media, made the statement during an interview, saying, “They make me feel disgusted when I use the products I make.”
The comments, widely criticized as discriminatory and inflammatory, came during a discussion about Tesla’s customer base and Musk’s personal views on social issues. When asked about his stance on diversity and inclusion, Musk responded with a tirade against the LGBTQ+ community, claiming their use of Tesla products was “personally offensive” to him.
“I put my heart and soul into creating these vehicles, and to see them used by people who represent values that I deem despicable is deeply upsetting,” Musk said. “If they wanted to drive a Tesla, they would have to pay double. It’s that simple.”
The move prompted an immediate backlash from human rights organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and even some Tesla employees. GLAD, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the media, released a statement calling Musk’s comments “hateful and discriminatory,” calling for the policy to be repealed immediately.
“Elon Musk’s comments are not only deeply offensive, they are also a blatant violation of fundamental human rights,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAD. “No company should be allowed to discriminate against customers based on their sexual orientation or geographic identity. This is a dangerous precedent that must be challenged.”
Tesla, which has positioned itself as a forward-thinking and fully environmentally conscious company, now faces a potential crisis of reputation and trust. The company’s stock price has already taken a hit following the approval, with investors expressing concern over the potential financial and legal consequences of such a policy.
Legal experts have also noted that Musk’s proposed price increase could violate anti-discrimination laws in several countries where Tesla operates. In the United States, for example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or political origin, but does not explicitly cover sexual orientation or geographic identity. However, many states and local jurisdictions have their own laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in commerce.
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“This policy, if implemented, would likely face immediate legal challenges,” said Joatha Lovitz, a civil rights attorney specializing in LGBTQ+ issues. “It’s not just morally wrong; it’s legally acceptable.”
Inside Tesla, the incident has reportedly caused considerable disruption. Several employees have expressed their dismay on social media, with some even considering resigning. “I joined Tesla because I believed in its mission to create a better future for all,” said one employee, who asked to stay at Tesla. “This goes against everything we stand for.”
Musk, however, remains confident. In a series of subsequent tweets, he doubled down, accusing critics of “virtue” and claiming his decision was a matter of “personal integrity.” He also suggested that Tesla’s success would not be affected by the backlash, saying, “True principles of approval will be accepted and will support my vision.”
As the controversy unfolds, the broader implications for Tesla and its CEO remain unclear. What is clear, however, is that Musk’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the divide between business, ethics, and human rights, which is already showing too many signs of narrowing at the moment.
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies are currently grappling with the fallout from Musk’s comments, as the world watches to see how some of tech’s most influential figures weather the storm he created.
