Elon Musk‘s volatile behaviour has often been attributed to the high levels of stress or sleepless nights he suffers while running six major companies, including big names like social media platform X, electric car maker Tesla, artificial intelligence company xAI and more. However, a recent report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Musk’s behaviour may also be due to his drug use, which could have major consequences for his six companies and billions of dollars in assets.
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The report noted that Musk has often used LSD, cocaine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms at various private parties around the world, where attendees must sign a non-disclosure agreement and hand over their phones before entering. Notably, Musk famously smoked marijuana during an episode of the Joe Rogan podcast in 2018, which drew criticism from NASA, which demanded written assurances from SpaceX that the company was complying with the federal Drug Free Workplace Act.
The WSJ report notes that many Tesla board members have talked among themselves about Musk’s drug use, but haven’t raised a formal concern that would be revealed in official board agendas or meeting minutes. However, many Tesla directors, including current chairman Robyn Denholm, have approached Musk’s brother Kimbal Musk for help with Musk’s behaviour without using the word “drugs”.
Furthermore, many on Tesla’s board believe Musk was also under the influence of drugs when he tweeted about taking the electric car maker private in 2018. The tweet eventually led to an SEC investigation into the matter, which resulted in a $40m fine and Musk’s resignation as Tesla’s chairman.
One former Tesla director, Linda Johnson Rice, was so frustrated with Musk’s behaviour and her concerns about the billionaire’s drug use that she did not stand for re-election as a Tesla director in 2019, the WSJ reported.
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Published: 07 Jan 2024, 01:49 PM IST