Jeremy Clarkson declares victory over Elon Musk in defamation case
- In 2008, Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Tesla Roadster unfavorably on Top Gear, leading to a defamation lawsuit by Elon Musk.
- Musk sued Clarkson, claiming bias against electric cars, but the lawsuit was dismissed in 2013.
- Clarkson recently celebrated his legal victory and commented on Musk's changing public perception as a reflection of Tesla's difficulties.
In 2008, journalist Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Tesla Roadster on the British TV show Top Gear, describing it as "unreliable" and "ridiculously expensive." This critical review upset Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, who subsequently sued Clarkson and the show's producers for defamation, claiming bias against electric cars. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2013, and Elon Musk expressed his disbelief at the show's authenticity and Clarkson's perceived bias against American and electric vehicles. Over the years, Musk's reputation among supporters has faced challenges, particularly among environmentalists who once idolized him. Recently, Clarkson claimed victory over the defamation suit, commenting on Musk's current struggles and claiming that some former Tesla fans have disavowed their cars due to their negative perception of Musk. This situation sheds light on the changing sentiments surrounding Tesla and its leadership, highlighting how public opinions can evolve, influenced by the actions of prominent figures like Musk.