Elon Musk’s critics expressed their frustration with Tesla executives and billionaires by wearing protective helmets and wielding sledgehammers.
The Public Art Project was organized by a Social Media Campaign Group. An anonymous donor provided the 2014 Tesla model “to spark a conversation about wealth inequality,” according to a group spokesperson.
Participants gathered at Hades Studios in South London on Thursday to take turns smashing the car with sledgehammers and baseball bats. The destroyed electric vehicle, priced around £14,000, will be auctioned in the coming weeks, with all proceeds going to Food Bank charities.
“We are giving Londoners the chance to speak out against far-right ideology and billionaires and voice their concerns about the current state of the world,” the group stated. “The therapy is expensive, but this is free.”
32-year-old writer Talia Dennisenko, draped in the Ukrainian flag, joined Britney Spears in smashing the car’s hood and shared her sentiments about the situation. “My family is Ukrainian and Elon Musk’s intentions towards us are concerning,” she expressed. “Things feel really bleak at this point. This is a form of therapy.”
“Musk’s actions are veering into unconstitutional territory. I am alarmed by what I am witnessing,” added Alice Rogers, a 24-year-old researcher from Illinois.
A spokesman for the anti-Elon group mentioned that the event allowed people to express their views on the current state of the world. Photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images
There is a widespread animosity towards Elon Musk. He recently drew attention for distributing stickers with the message “Don’t buy a Swastistar.” Musk clarified that the London vs. Musk event should not be replicated outside the organized setting.
“This is a private event involving a used Tesla headed for the Scrapyard. It is a controlled, supervised art piece with proper safety measures in place,” the spokesperson emphasized. “We implore individuals not to damage other Teslas or vehicles.”
The scrap car’s battery was safely removed and recycled.
“I am appalled by the current state of affairs in America,” expressed 45-year-old university lecturer Lee Woods, who traveled from Hampshire for the event. “I believe Musk leverages his immense wealth to push far-right ideologies.”
Protests calling for a boycott of Tesla have been taking place on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images
Tesla’s stocks dropped by 13% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a backlash from buyers due to Musk’s political leanings. Protests advocating for a boycott of electric car manufacturers have been ongoing on both sides of the Atlantic in recent months, including global actions targeting numerous Tesla outlets by US Tesla Takedown protesters.
“My view on Musk,” shared 32-year-old Giles Pearson, who participated in the event, “I don’t usually do this, but I have always wanted to smash a car.”
Tesla was approached for a comment.
Source: www.theguardian.com
