Elon Musk has unusual relationships with women at SpaceX, WSJ reports
VergeJun 02
Musk, SpaceX Facing Sexual Harassment Suit
Above: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the DealBook summit in New York Nov. 29, 2023. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday was sued in California state court by eight former employees over sexual harassment charges that were previously detailed in a 2022 open letter shared with management via the company's intranet.
The plaintiffs alleged four of them were fired the day after the letter was shared, and the others were terminated after SpaceX's internal investigation. They're seeking unspecified monetary damages.
The Spin
Narrative A
Musk is one of the most powerful men in the world, and clearly, he's decided to wield this power to take advantage of women who work for him. Sadly, his behavior has trickled down to his male employees — even at his other companies — as detailed by numerous targets of harassment who've told their stories. As more allegations come to light, it's becoming obvious Musk has to be reined in.
Narrative B
It looks like Elon Musk is the latest victim of the "Me Too" movement, and the timing is of no surprise. Musk has put a big target on his back since making X a free speech platform, and he's only received more heat since denouncing the political prosecution of Donald Trump. The validity of the allegations remains hazy, but the timing is certainly suspicious.