- Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash for joking about vandalism and arson attacks on Tesla dealerships, drawing criticism from Elon Musk and others.
- Kimmel’s sarcastic remarks during his monologue were accused of encouraging destructive behavior rather than condemning it.
- Elon Musk called Kimmel an “unfunny jerk” and labeled the attacks on Tesla as “domestic terrorism.”
- Critics, including CNN’s Scott Jennings, accused Kimmel of inciting violence and promoting liberal hypocrisy.
- The attacks on Tesla endanger lives, harm the environment, and threaten American jobs and innovation.
ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel has come under fire for seemingly justifying a recent wave of vandalism and arson attacks targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles across the country.
During his monologue this week, Kimmel made light of the violent incidents, sparking outrage from critics, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who called Kimmel an “unfunny jerk.” Even CNN commentator Scott Jennings accused Kimmel of giving “marching orders” to his left-leaning audience to engage in destructive behavior.
The controversy comes amid a string of attacks on Tesla properties, including a Molotov cocktail attack at a Las Vegas service center that left five vehicles destroyed. Kimmel’s remarks, which included sarcastic quips about Tesla’s declining stock and Musk’s leadership, have been widely criticized as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Kimmel’s troubling remarks
During his Tuesday night show, Kimmel joked about the recent vandalism, saying with a heavy overtone of sarcasm, “People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles. New Tesla vehicles. Please, don’t vandalize. Don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles.” The comment, delivered with a long pause and a smirk, was met with laughter from his studio audience. Critics argue that Kimmel’s tone and timing appeared to encourage, rather than condemn, the destructive acts.
Kimmel doubled down on Wednesday, referencing the Las Vegas attack and sarcastically remarking, “Burning a car might not be great for the environment. I don’t think that’s what they had in mind when they invented the electric car.” He also mocked Musk’s response to the violence, in which the Tesla CEO expressed confusion over the hostility directed at his company.
“Well, let me see if I can explain it for you,” Kimmel said. “When you pull out a chainsaw to celebrate firing thousands of people, they get mad.” The comment referenced a moment at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) where Musk was gifted a chainsaw by Argentina’s President Javier Milei, symbolizing cuts to government spending.
Musk fires back, CNN joins criticism
Elon Musk responded to Kimmel’s remarks on X, calling the late-night host an “unfunny jerk.” Musk has been vocal about the attacks on Tesla, describing them as “domestic terrorism” during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. “I thought the left, you know, Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring,” Musk said. “And yet they’re burning down cars. They’re firebombing dealerships. They’re firing bullets into dealerships.”
Even CNN’s Scott Jennings criticized Kimmel, accusing him of inciting violence. “The message from the American Left to conservatives is unmistakable: silence yourselves, or we will do it for you. This isn’t comedy — these are marching orders,” Jennings wrote on X.
A shining example of liberal hypocrisy
Kimmel’s comments have highlighted a troubling trend of hypocrisy among some on the left, who claim to champion environmentalism and social justice while seemingly condoning acts of violence that endanger lives and harm the environment. Arson attacks on electric vehicles, ironically, release toxic fumes and contribute to pollution, while also putting firefighters and first responders at risk.
Moreover, the attacks on Tesla have broader implications for American jobs and innovation. Tesla is a major employer in the U.S., and the company’s success has been a driving force in the transition to sustainable energy. By targeting Tesla, vandals are not only undermining American industry but also jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks are a reminder of the dangers of using "humor" to trivialize violence. His comments have crossed a line, and the backlash from both sides of the political spectrum underscores the need for accountability. Violence is never the answer, and it’s time for leaders in media and politics to condemn such acts unequivocally. As Tesla continues to face these attacks, it’s clear that the real victims are not just Elon Musk or his company, but the American workers and communities that depend on its success.
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