elon musk controversy at berlin factory sparks global debates
Activists from the United Kingdom and Germany projected an image of Elon Musk making a controversial gesture similar to one seen at Donald Trump's election rally onto the wall of Tesla's Berlin factory. The projection was accompanied by the slogan "Heil Tesla," referencing Nazi terminology. Elon Musk commented on the incident in his typical style.
Two left-wing activist groups – Britain's Led By Donkeys and Germany's Centre for Political Beauty (Zentrum für Politische Schönheit) – claimed responsibility for projecting the contentious image on the wall of Tesla's Gigafactory near Berlin. In addition to the image of Musk making a gesture reminiscent of a Nazi salute, the words "Boycott" along with Tesla's logo were displayed on the building.
The projection was a response to Elon Musk's behaviour during a speech at a rally of Donald Trump's supporters at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The billionaire made a gesture that appeared to resemble a Nazi salute, by hitting his chest and extending his hand in front of him with the palm facing downward. Musk repeated this gesture twice during his appearance.
What do Poles think of Trump? "This is an impulse for Europe"
Elon Musk under fire. "This is boring"
Musk addressed the controversy on the X platform (formerly Twitter), responding to comments from right-wing users. He stated, "the attack of calling everyone Hitler is tiring." He also accused his opponents of supporting Hamas.
The protests triggered varied reactions among experts. Kurt Braddock, a communications professor at American University specializing in the study of extremism, stated in an interview with the Associated Press that "he knows what he saw and understands the reaction of far-right groups, including neo-Nazis, to this gesture."
Who are the protest organizers?
Led By Donkeys is a British activist group known for actions targeting politicians' hypocrisy. They gained fame by projecting politicians' statements and tweets onto buildings and billboards. In February 2024, they organized an installation on Bournemouth Beach made up of thousands of children's clothes, symbolizing the victims of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The Centre for Political Beauty has been active since 2009, using provocative, theatrical actions to combat political apathy and social issues. The group focuses on refugee rights, fascism, and historical responsibility. In 2015, activists conducted a provocative action, exhumation and reburial in Berlin of refugees who died at Europe's borders.
