A new scandal is rocking the world of the automotive industry and beyond. Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire CEO of Tesla, has made headlines with a statement that has left many speechless. Musk reportedly declared that he would not sell Tesla vehicles to the LGBT community, saying, “I don’t need money from people who can’t determine their own gender.” This statement, which quickly spread across social media, sparked a wave of outrage, put pressure on Tesla shares, and once again placed the already polarizing figure Musk at the center of a heated debate.
The controversy began when a supposed quote from Musk appeared on a platform he owns: X. Although the exact source of the statement remains unclear—some claim it was a comment during an impromptu Q&A session, others say it was a manipulated post—the impact was immediate. Within hours, the hashtag #BoycottTesla was trending worldwide, while activists and organizations supporting LGBT rights sharply criticized Musk, accusing him of promoting discrimination and using his platform as a businessperson to attack an already vulnerable group.
The economic consequences are already being felt. Tesla’s sales, which had grown steadily in recent years, are showing the first signs of a decline. Reports from dealers indicate that customers are canceling their orders, and the company’s stock lost more than five percent of its value within two days. For a company that has positioned itself as a leader in innovation and sustainability, this development poses a serious threat. Analysts warn that Tesla cannot tolerate any more missteps in an increasingly competitive market where rivals like BYD and Volkswagen are gaining ground.
Musk himself responded to the growing criticism in his typical manner: with a mixture of defiance and humor. In a post on X, he wrote: “This whole thing is a huge misunderstanding. I just said I’d rather sell my cars to Martians—they don’t have gender issues!” For his followers, this was further proof of his unconventional charm, but for many others, the justification rang hollow. Critics emphasize that such comments, even if intended as a joke, cannot remain without consequences at a time when social sensitivity to minority rights is growing.
The LGBT community and its supporters have announced they will increase pressure on Tesla. Some are calling for a boycott not only of its cars, but also of other Musk companies, such as SpaceX and X. “This is not just an insult, but an attack on our very existence,” said a spokesperson for a prominent human rights organization. “Musk may think he’s above such things, but we will show him that our purchasing power matters.” Indeed, the loss of this customer base—which plays a significant role in many Western markets, especially the US and Europe—could harm Tesla in the long run.
On the other hand, Musk’s loyal followers vehemently defend him. They argue that his words were taken out of context and that, as an entrepreneur, he has the right to freely express his opinions without bowing to political constraints. “Elon says what he thinks, and that’s exactly what we love about him,” one fan wrote on X. Some even go so far as to claim that the entire controversy was orchestrated by his opponents to damage his reputation.
As the debate rages, the question remains as to how this incident will affect Tesla’s future. The brand has weathered crises in the past—from production issues to Musk’s previous controversial statements—but this time, the damage appears to run deeper. Experts are closely watching to see whether Musk will walk back his words or at least soften them to regain customer trust. Until then, one thing is certain: Elon Musk has once again proven that he can stir the world with just a few words—whether for better or worse, only time will tell.
