On social media, many viewers were stunned as a Tesla engineer claimed on X that he was fired after criticizing Elon Musk’s controversial post.
A former Tesla employee claims he was fired after criticizing a controversial post by CEO Elon Musk. The post contained Nazi-related jokes, sparking backlash online.
Musk frequently criticizes others on social media. He has targeted television shows, major news outlets, and even hacker group Anonymous.
Additionally, he has also called himself a defender of free speech.
In the past, he stated that free speech means allowing people to say things you don’t like.
However, recent events have cast doubt on this claim.
One Tesla employee says he was terminated after expressing his disapproval of Musk’s remarks.
Former employee speaks out against Musk’s post
On social media, Jared Ottmann, a Tesla engineer and manager, criticized Musk’s joke on X.
The post included puns referencing Nazi figures like Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler. Musk captioned it with: “Bet you did nazi that coming [laughing emoji].”
Ottmann responded on LinkedIn, condemning the joke. He said Musk’s behavior had been concerning for a long time. He also revealed that he had raised concerns internally since 2022.
Additionally, Hhe spoke to managers, HR, and investor relations. Despite internal support, Tesla remained silent.
Ottmann wrote in response: “Well, we have seen it coming. Elon’s behavior, whatever the underlying motivations, are well documented.
“Starting in 2022 and especially the last week I’ve raised the issue internally multiple times, with managers, HR, legal compliance, investor relations. And while overwhelmingly people offer support, Tesla as a company has remained silent.”
Additionally he also pointed out that Musk’s post had received over 308,000 likes. He called Tesla’s silence on the matter “deafening.”
Social media reaction
Jared Ottmann’s post quickly went viral, sparking debate among viewers who shared their thoughts on the incident.
One person said: To be fair I don’t like Elon Musk but I’d get fired too if I slated my company online.
A second wrote: Yes because, the boss is right
While a third commented: Badmouth the person who pays you and then act shocked when you’re fired.
Another added: A company works the best when everyone has the same mindset or goal, if a person has other views it is within the owners right to remove the off course view.
Someone else said: Um yeah. Your Employer, the company which you work for. No respect, no job . Goodbye.
Another user added: Musk doesn’t take kindly to any criticism.
On February 27, Ottmann confirmed that Tesla had fired him. He did not provide further details about his dismissal.
Musk’s controversial post and Ottmann’s firing come amid broader scrutiny. Many have criticized Musk for his political views and leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk faces growing controversy
Musk has faced backlash for his alleged far-right associations. Some accused him of making a Nazi salute at the presidential inauguration, a claim he denies. He has also supported the far-right German party AfD, which has been fined for using Nazi slogans.
The head of a concentration camp memorial condemned Musk’s affiliations.
Additionally, these concerns add to Musk’s history of firing employees who challenge his views. Many now question his stance as a champion of free speech.