Protests Erupt Worldwide Against Tesla and Elon Musk on Global Takedown Day
Demonstrations across over 200 locations highlight growing discontent towards Tesla's CEO and his approach to social issues.
On Saturday, protests targeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk emerged in multiple cities as part of a global initiative dubbed the "Takedown Tesla" movement.
This movement has seen demonstrations expand from the United States to various international locations, including a significant protest outside a Tesla showroom in West London.
Participants gathered to voice their grievances regarding Musk's public statements and perceived stance on social issues.
Louise Cobbett-Witten, a 39-year-old NHS worker from South London, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, "It’s too overwhelming to do nothing." She cited a sense of urgency to address what she described as a failure of societal checks and balances, ultimately linking the movement's concerns to wider sociopolitical tensions.
The protests are part of a coordinated series of events expected to take place at approximately 200 Tesla locations worldwide, with nearly 50 protests anticipated in California alone.
As of the time of the demonstrations, Musk had not publicly addressed these rallies.
In West London, the protest drew a notably large crowd, which attendees reported as the most significant turnout since demonstrations began a few weeks prior.
Tesla's response to previous protests at its Park Royal location included the deployment of a single security guard, who noted that interactions with the protesting individuals had been courteous.
While recent reports indicate that Tesla sales have seen a downturn across Europe, specific figures show a rise in UK sales by over 20% in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
This contrasting data highlights diverging market responses amidst the mounting protests.
Among the demonstrators was Nigel Warner, a gay-rights campaigner and retired accountant, who expressed his intent to influence Tesla's customer base and stock performance.
Warner stated, "The only thing we can do is try to affect Tesla’s share prices and sales." His assertion reflects a broader sentiment among activists seeking to hold the company accountable through economic channels.
Documentary filmmaker Jim Green shared personal reflections on Musk, recalling a time when Musk was viewed as an inspiring figure in the early development of Tesla technologies.
Green remarked on Musk’s derogatory remarks towards affluent liberal supporters of Tesla, highlighting a significant shift in Musk's relationship with his customer base.
Another protest attendee, Anne Kajava, expressed a deep concern regarding international repercussions stemming from current political climates, particularly focusing on tensions in the U.S. and Europe.
Kajava noted her fears surrounding potential conflicts, saying, "I am truly concerned about a world war three."
The protests contribute to a larger narrative surrounding Tesla and Musk that encompasses economic performance, social impact, and global political dynamics.
This movement has seen demonstrations expand from the United States to various international locations, including a significant protest outside a Tesla showroom in West London.
Participants gathered to voice their grievances regarding Musk's public statements and perceived stance on social issues.
Louise Cobbett-Witten, a 39-year-old NHS worker from South London, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, "It’s too overwhelming to do nothing." She cited a sense of urgency to address what she described as a failure of societal checks and balances, ultimately linking the movement's concerns to wider sociopolitical tensions.
The protests are part of a coordinated series of events expected to take place at approximately 200 Tesla locations worldwide, with nearly 50 protests anticipated in California alone.
As of the time of the demonstrations, Musk had not publicly addressed these rallies.
In West London, the protest drew a notably large crowd, which attendees reported as the most significant turnout since demonstrations began a few weeks prior.
Tesla's response to previous protests at its Park Royal location included the deployment of a single security guard, who noted that interactions with the protesting individuals had been courteous.
While recent reports indicate that Tesla sales have seen a downturn across Europe, specific figures show a rise in UK sales by over 20% in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
This contrasting data highlights diverging market responses amidst the mounting protests.
Among the demonstrators was Nigel Warner, a gay-rights campaigner and retired accountant, who expressed his intent to influence Tesla's customer base and stock performance.
Warner stated, "The only thing we can do is try to affect Tesla’s share prices and sales." His assertion reflects a broader sentiment among activists seeking to hold the company accountable through economic channels.
Documentary filmmaker Jim Green shared personal reflections on Musk, recalling a time when Musk was viewed as an inspiring figure in the early development of Tesla technologies.
Green remarked on Musk’s derogatory remarks towards affluent liberal supporters of Tesla, highlighting a significant shift in Musk's relationship with his customer base.
Another protest attendee, Anne Kajava, expressed a deep concern regarding international repercussions stemming from current political climates, particularly focusing on tensions in the U.S. and Europe.
Kajava noted her fears surrounding potential conflicts, saying, "I am truly concerned about a world war three."
The protests contribute to a larger narrative surrounding Tesla and Musk that encompasses economic performance, social impact, and global political dynamics.
