Musk considers suing media over Cybertruck incident coverage
Tesla CEO Elon Musk could take legal action against media outlets over their coverage of an explosion involving a Cybertruck in Las Vegas, renewing his criticism of mainstream media for perceived bias.
The vehicle, which was parked outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day and loaded with fireworks and gas canisters, exploded in the hotel’s valet area. The sole occupant of the Cybertruck, 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Alan Livelsberger, shot himself prior to the blast. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.
The incident has sparked heated debate over media coverage. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck criticized outlets for headlines that allegedly impugned Tesla’s reputation. He reposted Business Insider’s headline and claimed that Musk “should consider suing outlets who framed the story like this.”
“Maybe it is time to do so,” Musk replied.
The Cybertruck’s design may have actually helped minimize damage, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. ”The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside the valet because it had most of the blast go up through the truck and out,” he said.
Maybe it is time to do so https://t.co/2i4q5QZOUn
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025
Another user on X expressed similar frustration, stating: “Media headlines are misleading audiences, suggesting the Cybertruck caught fire or exploded due to a malfunction. The truth is that explosives were placed in the back and intentionally detonated, likely as part of a terrorist act.”
Musk responded to the post, writing, “You don’t hate the legacy media enough.”
He also accused the legacy media of distorting the facts, targeting the Associated Press (AP) in particular. Referring to the agency as “Associated Propaganda,” Musk claimed it had twisted the narrative surrounding the explosion.
In December, Musk also criticized AP for its coverage of a deadly incident in Germany, accusing it of spreading biased narratives.
Last year, Musk remarked that the “propaganda level” in traditional media outlets was “tediously high,” and he has repeatedly accused established organizations of skewing narratives to fit particular biases.
Officials have acknowledged the symbolic nature of the incident, given Tesla’s connection to Musk and its proximity to the Trump International Hotel.
“It’s a Tesla truck, and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump, and it’s the Trump tower,” McMahill said. “There’s obviously things to be concerned about there.”
