Kimmel’s Tesla Jokes Spark Feud with Musk Amidst Vandalism and Stock Woes
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has ignited a firestorm of controversy after appearing to mock the recent vandalism of Tesla vehicles and the company’s declining stock price. His jokes, delivered during his opening monologue on Tuesday, were met with enthusiastic cheers from his studio audience, further fueling the tension between Kimmel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The incident has drawn attention to the increasing polarization surrounding Musk and his companies, as well as the growing trend of politically motivated vandalism.
Kimmel’s monologue included a jab at Tesla’s struggling stock performance. "Tesla stock is way down, almost disastrously so," he remarked, prompting the audience to erupt in cheers. He also made a sarcastic reference to Musk’s leadership, stating, "Our co-president Elon Musk sent a Space-X vehicle to bring the astronauts back, and when they landed, he fired them immediately upon landing." This quip further stoked the flames, drawing a sharp rebuke from Musk himself.
The jokes came against the backdrop of escalating vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships. Reports of keyed cars, smashed windows, and even more severe acts of violence have surfaced in recent weeks, raising concerns about the motivations behind these attacks. The article highlights one incident in which a San Jose man was arrested after a video went viral showing him keying a Tesla in a Costco parking lot.
While acknowledging the vandalism, Kimmel delivered a seemingly sarcastic plea: "People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles, new Tesla vehicles. Please, dont vandalize, don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles." His tone and delivery suggested that he was not entirely sincere, which some have interpreted as tacit encouragement of the destructive behavior.
Musk responded to clips of Kimmel’s monologue on X, formerly Twitter, calling the comedian "such an unfunny jerk." He has also publicly expressed his shock and dismay at the "level of real hatred and violence from the left" directed towards his company. In an interview on Fox News’ "Hannity," Musk stated, "I thought the left, you know, Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring. And yet theyre burning down cars. Theyre firebombing dealerships. Theyre firing bullets into dealerships. Theyre just smashing up Teslas."
Musk’s accusations of left-wing involvement have been met with skepticism, as no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm the political affiliations of the individuals responsible for the vandalism. Nevertheless, his comments have further inflamed the debate and contributed to the perception of a politically motivated campaign against Tesla.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has characterized the attacks on Tesla property as "nothing short of domestic terrorism." In a statement released Tuesday evening, Bondi asserted that the Department of Justice is already charging several perpetrators with that in mind, including cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. She also vowed to pursue investigations that target not only the individuals carrying out the attacks but also those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund them.
The FBI is also reportedly investigating at least one Tesla attack in Las Vegas, with one official stating that it "certainly has some of the hallmarks of terrorism." The severity of these accusations underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the vandalism, even as the motivations behind the attacks remain unclear.
The clash between Kimmel and Musk and the broader controversy surrounding Tesla vandalism highlight the increasingly polarized political climate in the United States. Musk’s shift towards more conservative viewpoints has made him a target of criticism from some on the left, while his outspokenness and unconventional leadership style have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. The vandalism of Tesla vehicles, whether politically motivated or simply acts of random violence, reflects the growing frustration and anger simmering beneath the surface of American society.
The incident also raises questions about the role of comedians and late-night hosts in the current political landscape. While satire and political commentary have long been staples of late-night television, the increasingly partisan nature of these shows has raised concerns about their potential to exacerbate divisions and incite anger. Kimmel’s jokes about Tesla, while intended as humor, have clearly had a significant impact, contributing to the ongoing controversy and further fueling the feud with Musk.
The situation remains fluid, with investigations ongoing and the motivations behind the vandalism still unclear. Whether the attacks are politically motivated acts of protest, random acts of violence, or something else entirely remains to be seen. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing businesses and individuals in an increasingly polarized and volatile society. It also underscores the power of words and the potential for humor, even when intended as harmless satire, to have far-reaching and potentially damaging consequences. Fox News Digital has reached out to Kimmel for comment, but as of the article’s publication, there has been no response.
