British broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson has reignited his long-standing rivalry with Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, following a spate of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and showrooms. This feud, which began in 2008 after Clarkson’s negative review of a Tesla model on the popular motoring show Top Gear, has resurfaced as Musk’s political endeavors have drawn significant public scrutiny.
Vandalism linked to Musk’s controversial actions
In recent weeks, numerous Tesla cars have been vandalized across the United States and globally, a reaction many attribute to Musk’s prominent role within the U.S. government and his provocative actions on social media. Musk, a major political donor to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, has assumed a controversial position wherein he is tasked with leading initiatives within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at reducing governmental size.
“The sudden pan-global decision to uncrowdfund Tesla and to break the door mirrors off as many of its cars as possible is not funny,” Clarkson wrote in his Sunday Times column. “But also, it’s kinda hilarious. Especially if you’re me.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment among critics who see Tesla’s image as tarnished by Musk’s actions and statements.
Clarkson’s reflections on Tesla’s past and present
In his article, Clarkson recounted a past incident where Musk took legal action against him, stemming from a review of the Tesla Roadster that Clarkson described as “firm but fair.” Although the review contained some praise, it was also marked by Clarkson’s characteristic skepticism regarding electric vehicles. Musk, commenting on the review years later, expressed his admiration for the BBC but noted that Clarkson’s show prioritized entertainment over factual accuracy.
“He lost the case, and the appeal, and he’s never really got over it,” Clarkson highlighted, recalling Musk’s gripes about perceived bias in the review. “I should really have sued him back, but I feared he’d call me a paedo, so instead I just waited on the river bank for his body to float past. And now it has.”
Clarkson also directed criticism towards environmentally conscious consumers who once hailed Musk as a hero. “He was a hero to them, and I was hated for having been so rude about his early foray into the car market,” he reflected. With the recent unrest surrounding Tesla, Clarkson pointedly remarked, “I’d love to remind all you Tesla drivers that I warned you 17 years ago that no good would come of your buying choice. But you didn’t listen. You chose to believe Mr. Musk.”