British broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson has once again ignited a long-standing feud with carmaker and political figure Elon Musk, a rivalry that traces back to 2008 when Clarkson delivered a less-than-favorable review of a Tesla vehicle on the popular motoring show Top Gear. Recent events have seen a surge in vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms across the United States and worldwide, largely in response to Musk's increasing political influence and controversial actions.
In his latest column for the Sunday Times, Clarkson remarked on the troubling trend of people vandalizing Tesla cars. “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,” he wrote. “But also, it’s kinda hilarious. Especially if you’re me.” This commentary underscores the growing discontent surrounding Musk, who has become a polarizing figure due to his role in the U.S. government and his contentious social media presence.
Elon Musk, known as the largest political donor to U.S. President Donald Trump's successful 2024 election campaign, has taken on a vaguely defined governmental role. He leads initiatives within the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing the size of the American state. This controversial position, combined with Musk's provocative online behavior and promotion of far-right ideologies, has positioned him as a focal point for anti-Trump sentiment. Consequently, Tesla products have become targets for protestors.
Clarkson revisited the past in his article, recalling how Musk had previously sued him—although it was Tesla that initiated legal action against the BBC—following a "firm but fair" review of the Tesla Roadster on Top Gear. The review, which aired 17 years ago, was a mix of scathing remarks and genuine praise for the vehicle's performance, showcasing Clarkson's trademark skepticism towards electric cars.
During the segment, one of the Tesla vehicles tested broke down, leading to further scrutiny. In a 2013 interview with the BBC’s Newsnight, Musk responded to Clarkson's review by expressing his admiration for the BBC while criticizing the entertainment-focused nature of Top Gear. “Clarkson’s show is much more about entertainment than it is about truth,” Musk stated, acknowledging the humor in Clarkson's delivery but pointing out the bias against electric vehicles.
In his recent column, Clarkson stated, “He lost the case, and the appeal, and he’s never really got over it.” Clarkson highlighted Musk's continued claims of bias, asserting, “I should really have sued him back, but I feared he’d call me a paedo.” He then humorously concluded that he would await Musk's hypothetical downfall. This wit is characteristic of Clarkson, as he reflects on the changing perception of Musk among the electric vehicle enthusiasts who once idolized him.
Clarkson used his platform to criticize left-wing, environmentally conscious consumers who purchased Tesla vehicles before Musk’s radical political shift. “He was a hero to them, and I was hated for having been so rude about his early foray into the car market,” he wrote. The irony of Tesla drivers now facing backlash was not lost on him, as he quipped, “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.”
As the feud between Jeremy Clarkson and Elon Musk continues to unfold, the implications of Musk's political actions on Tesla's public image remain significant. With increasing backlash against the brand, Clarkson's remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding electric vehicles and their controversial founder. Whether the public sentiment will shift back in favor of Tesla remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the rivalry between Clarkson and Musk is far from over.
