Tesla’s CEO alleges news organizations misrepresented facts about a Cybertruck explosion outside a Las Vegas hotel.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is considering legal action against media outlets for their reporting on a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. This action reflects his ongoing criticism of what he perceives as media bias.
The incident, which occurred on New Year’s Day, involved a Cybertruck parked outside the Trump International Hotel. The vehicle, containing fireworks and gas canisters, exploded in the hotel’s valet area. The Cybertruck’s sole occupant, 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Alan Livelsberger, died by suicide before the explosion. Authorities are investigating the event as a potential act of terrorism.
Media coverage of the event has generated significant controversy. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck criticized news outlets for headlines that he believes unfairly damaged Tesla’s reputation. He shared a Business Insider headline, suggesting Musk should sue outlets framing the story in this manner. Musk responded, indicating he might do so.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that the Cybertruck’s design may have mitigated the damage. He stated that the Cybertruck’s structure directed the blast upwards, minimizing damage to the valet area.
Another X user echoed this sentiment, stating that misleading headlines implied a vehicle malfunction caused the explosion, when in fact explosives were deliberately detonated, likely as a terrorist act.
Musk replied to this post, expressing his strong disapproval of legacy media. He further accused the legacy media, specifically citing the Associated Press (AP), which he called “Associated Propaganda,” of distorting the facts surrounding the explosion.
Musk previously criticized the AP’s coverage of a fatal incident in Germany in December, accusing it of biased reporting. He has consistently denounced traditional media outlets for what he deems excessively high levels of propaganda and skewed narratives.
Officials have acknowledged the incident’s symbolic significance given Tesla’s association with Musk and its proximity to the Trump International Hotel. Sheriff McMahill remarked on the potential concerns arising from the involvement of a Tesla vehicle, Musk’s relationship with President-elect Trump, and the location at the Trump tower.