London Protesters Destroy Tesla in Anti-Elon Musk Art Event Highlighting Wealth Inequality
- England Great Britain International Affairs North America
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 6 minutes read
In a potent mix of political dissent, artistic expression, and public frustration, a unique protest unfolded at Hardess Studios in South London. Organized by a UK-based social media campaign group called Everyone Hates Elon, the demonstration invited critics of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to physically release their anger by smashing a 2014 Tesla Model S with sledgehammers and baseball bats. The protest, dubbed London vs Musk, was framed not just as an anti-capitalist or anti-billionaire spectacle, but as a symbolic act of reclaiming agency in the face of growing discontent with wealth inequality, far-right ideologies, and the role of tech billionaires in shaping public policy. This controlled event, characterized by music, safety gear, and a destroyed electric vehicle, has captured international attention and sparked debate about activism, symbolism, and the ethics of wealth and influence. The centrepiece of the demonstration was a 2014 Tesla Model S, donated anonymously. The vehicle was no longer in use and had been slated for the scrapyard, making it the perfect object for a performance art protest. Importantly, the battery had been safely removed and recycled before the event began, ensuring environmental responsibility and safety for participants.
Those who attended the protest were equipped with protective helmets and invited to express their anger through physical action. As Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time” played through speakers, participants took turns hitting the car with baseball bats and sledgehammers. One demonstrator even wore a Ukrainian flag, linking her actions to broader global political statements. The group behind the project stated that the goal was to create a platform to speak out against economic injustice and political extremism. “We’re giving Londoners a chance to stand up to far-right hatred and billionaires and express how they feel about the current state of the world,” a spokesperson said. The event was promoted as a kind of social therapy: “Therapy is expensive, but this is free.”
Though dramatic, the event was organized with care. The group made it clear that the destruction of the car was symbolic and controlled. “This is a private event with a used Tesla, destined for the scrapyard – it’s a supervised, controlled art piece and there are proper safety measures in place,” a representative told The Guardian. The group also issued a strong disclaimer against replicating the act or damaging other vehicles outside of the protest. “We urge people not to damage other Teslas or any other cars.” Far from an act of mindless vandalism, the protest was presented as a structured art installation, one meant to draw attention to systemic issues rather than simply criticize a single individual. Following the event, the wrecked Tesla will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to food bank charities—further solidifying the event’s philanthropic goals. This aspect underscored the group’s aim to turn an act of destruction into one of social benefit.
Why Elon Musk?
Elon Musk has long been a polarizing figure. As the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and other ventures, his influence stretches from electric vehicles and space travel to online discourse and artificial intelligence. But in recent years, his public image has shifted from that of a visionary entrepreneur to a controversial figure accused of promoting right-wing ideologies. One major flashpoint was Musk’s appointment to lead the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump’s administration. The department became the face of sweeping federal job cuts that left thousands unemployed. This action, intended to reduce bureaucracy and federal spending, drew sharp criticism from labour unions and social advocates alike. Compounding this controversy was Musk’s behaviour at Trump’s inauguration. Footage appeared to show him performing what some interpreted as a Nazi salute, an act that ignited a firestorm on social media. Musk denied the accusation, claiming it was a misinterpreted gesture. However, the moment contributed to an already growing perception of Musk as someone aligned with extreme or dangerous ideologies. These events have fueled global dissatisfaction, which protests like London vs Musk are now capturing and amplifying.
Everyone Hates Elon is not new to activism. The group first gained attention by distributing provocative stickers across London and other European cities. One such sticker bore the slogan “Don’t buy a Swastika,” a blunt statement aimed at connecting Tesla and Musk with rising fascist tendencies in modern politics. The group’s media-savvy approach and bold messaging have garnered both criticism and support but undeniably brought international visibility to their cause. By using art and performance as their medium, the group is tapping into a long history of protest through creative disruption. From the anti-war art of the 1960s to climate change performance art of the 21st century, symbolic acts have often been a tool for the marginalized to reclaim visibility and power. In this case, smashing a Tesla—a global symbol of luxury, innovation, and capitalist success—becomes a gesture of resistance against not just Musk, but the system he represents.
The Everyone Hates Elon demonstration in London was a multifaceted event—part protest, part performance, part therapy session. By turning a discarded Tesla into a symbol of resistance, the group tapped into widespread unease about economic inequality, political extremism, and the unchecked power of tech billionaires. Whether one sees the event as a meaningful political expression or performative anger, it undeniably raises important questions. What responsibilities do the ultra-rich have in a society grappling with division and inequality? Where is the line between political expression and corporate accountability? And, perhaps most urgently, how can everyday people reclaim power in a world increasingly dominated by a few influential figures? As the smashed Tesla awaits auction and the proceeds prepare to serve food-insecure families, one message is clear: sometimes, making noise is the first step toward making change.