The controversial world of Elon Musk
Elon Musk's alleged drug use causes concern for Tesla and SpaceX leaders
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One of the richest and most high-profile entrepreneurs of the modern age, Elon Musk has become an increasingly controversial figure. His 2022 takeover of Twitter, now called X, cast him in an unflattering new light as millions of users got a front-row seat to his every move, from laying off thousands of employees to unsuspending accounts that spread misinformation and hate speech. His reputation as a genius took a serious hit.
However, his detractors aren't the only ones taking issue with his behavior. A report from the Wall Street Journal has revealed that leaders at Tesla and SpaceX are concerned about Musk's use of illegal drugs, which they believe to be influencing his erratic communications. The article alleged that he has taken LSD, ecstasy, mushrooms, and ketamine on various occasions. In 2018, he famously smoked marijuana while appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast. Musk has spoken before about using ketamine for the treatment of depression and says he has a prescription for it. The WSJ also referenced occasions where Musk appeared to be under the influence at a SpaceX event and in an interview, although they didn't speculate as to which substances he was using.
From bizarre Twitter sprees to incomprehensible speeches, Musk has increasingly put profits at risk with his unprofessional behavior and controversial statements. The WSJ report claims that leaders are worried about losing major government contracts as a result of his drug use. Musk was quick to respond to the news on X, stating that he agreed to undergo three years of random drug testing by NASA following his public marijuana use in 2018, and never failed a test. "Not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol," he wrote.
Click through the following gallery to learn more about Musk's controversial life and career up to this point, from his entrepreneurial rise to his fall as a public figure.
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