Authorities in Germany are investigating a controversial image projected onto the Tesla Gigafactory in Grünheide, near Berlin. The projection depicted Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, in a pose that appeared to resemble a Nazi salute, accompanied by the word “Heil.” The phrase “Heil Tesla,” a play on the infamous Nazi slogan “Heil Hitler,” was projected onto the factory’s exterior on Thursday evening, sparking outrage and confusion about its authenticity.
The act was claimed by two activist groups, Led By Donkeys and the Center for Political Beauty, who argue that they used drones to beam the offensive image onto the building. However, German police have cast doubt on these claims, stating that no evidence of the stunt could be found. Authorities have questioned whether the image was fabricated, with a police spokesperson telling local news that the photo was “a fake.”
Skepticism and Investigations Grow
Despite police statements, the activist groups insist that the projection was real, pointing to Tesla’s extensive security camera network, which they believe can confirm the event took place. The stunt has raised significant questions not only about its authenticity but also about its broader implications, especially in Germany, where the use of Nazi symbols is strictly illegal.
The controversy has sparked debate over the potential use of Nazi symbols and gestures, particularly following a recent incident in the U.S. where Musk made a gesture that some interpreted as a Nazi salute during an event celebrating former President Donald Trump. This has prompted German authorities to launch an investigation into whether the projection violates laws regarding anti-constitutional symbols, which are illegal under German law.
The Activists Speak Out
Led By Donkeys, a British activist group known for its political stunts, and the Center for Political Beauty, a German collective, have both claimed responsibility for the projection. Philipp Ruch, the artistic director of the Center for Political Beauty, revealed that the activists used a powerful projector to beam the image from several hundred meters away. He also warned that similar actions could follow.
Led By Donkeys, which has previously targeted figures like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, posted a social media message accusing Musk of supporting far-right causes. They called for a boycott of Tesla, urging followers not to purchase the electric cars due to Musk’s perceived alignment with extremist political movements. “He shouldn’t be surprised if people don’t fancy driving around in his cars for much longer,” a spokesperson said, referencing the growing concerns about Musk’s political connections.
Changing Police Position
Initially, police denied the occurrence of the projection, but after further analysis of online images and on-site checks, they reversed their position. A spokesperson for Berlin-Brandenburg police later confirmed that they were no longer ruling out the possibility that the stunt actually happened. This shift in stance has fueled further speculation and debate among social media users and news outlets about the veracity of the incident.
Some have suggested that if the activists are charged under Germany’s anti-Nazi laws, it could serve as an acknowledgment that Musk’s gesture at Trump’s event was indeed a Nazi salute, despite his denials. This could add weight to the argument that the activist groups were justified in their actions.
Musk has yet to respond directly to the latest controversy. However, he dismissed previous accusations about his gestures at the Trump event, calling the claims “tired” and mocking them on social media. Musk also posted a series of puns related to Nazi war criminals, further fueling criticism. His comments have drawn condemnation from the U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League, which stated that such jokes trivialize the Holocaust and offend the memory of its victims.
