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LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman just delivered an epic clapback to Elon Musk’s accusations about funding anti-Tesla protests.
The drama kicked off when Musk, apparently taking a break from his usual X-posting schedule, amplified claims from a right-wing account suggesting Hoffman was secretly bankrolling protests against Tesla through the progressive group Indivisible, reports Fortune.
Hoffman wasn’t having any of it. In a response that probably made his PR team reach for the antacids, he fired back with the digital equivalent of “Why are you so obsessed with me?”
“Elon, I’m not funding any protests against you or Tesla,” Hoffman wrote on X, before dropping the mic with, “The reality is that people just don’t like you – and that’s not a conspiracy.”
Oof. Someone get Musk some aloe vera for that burn.
Here’s What We Know
- Denial of Funding: In a post on X, Hoffman stated, “I never funded anyone for Tesla protests,” and emphasized that he does not condone violence.
- Musk’s Claims: Elon Musk alleged that five ActBlue-funded groups were responsible for Tesla protests, specifically naming Hoffman among the alleged funders.
- Context of Anger: Forbes reports that Hoffman rejected Musk’s allegations regarding the protests, while Business Insider notes that Hoffman characterized the feud as one-sided.
- Lack of Evidence: According to Electrek, Musk has yet to provide substantiated evidence for his claims about Hoffman’s alleged involvement in funding the protests. Additionally, OpIndia reports that insiders have dismissed the allegations as “paranoid conspiracy theories.”
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about two tech CEOs throwing shade at each other (though that’s definitely the fun part). It’s the latest chapter in what seems to be Musk’s ongoing crusade against… well, pretty much everyone who disagrees with him.
Hoffman, who’s been known for his more measured approach to tech leadership (and significantly fewer memes), has historically kept his distance from such public spats. But apparently, even LinkedIn founders have their limits.
The accusation stems from recent protests at Tesla facilities, which have been focusing on working conditions and union organization efforts.
While these are legitimate labor issues worthy of discussion, Musk seems more interested in finding a billionaire boogeyman than addressing worker concerns.
The Bottom Line
Look, we could pretend this is some deep commentary on leadership philosophies or the future of tech.
But let’s be real – we’re watching two billionaires duke it out on social media, and one of them just got absolutely bodied by a LinkedIn guy. A LinkedIn guy.
The only thing missing from this tech drama is Mark Zuckerberg offering to settle it in a cage match. (Don’t get any ideas, Mark. Actually… no, you know what? Go ahead. We’ll sell tickets.)
Welcome to 2025, folks, where the real entertainment isn’t on Netflix – it’s in the C-suite group chat.
Are you team Elon or Team Reid? Drop your hot takes in the comments below or join the debate on our [socials]. Let’s hear which CEO you think came out on top!
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