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Cyber-bullying: Victoria Cybertruck owner caught up in Tesla backlash

Cyber-bullying: Victoria Cybertruck owner caught up in Tesla backlash

  • 25.03.2025 00:27
  • vicnews.com
  • Keywords: Cybertruck, Tesla

Cybertruck and Tesla owners in Victoria face harassment due to growing anti-Musk sentiment. Targets include rude gestures, magnets, and notes like "Boycott Tesla" or "Evil Musk." This backlash reflects broader tensions against the company and its polarizing CEO.

Tesla ReportsTSLAsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Cybertruck

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

The Cybertruck is a vehicle model by Tesla that has been targeted in incidents of cyber-bullying and harassment. Owners like Hiro Fang and Sara Q. have faced negative reactions due to their association with Elon Musk's influence in politics.

Tesla

Tesla

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Neutral

Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has seen its vehicles become targets of backlash and harassment, particularly the Cybertruck model. This reflects broader societal tensions towards Musk's political involvement.

Context

Cyber-bullying: Victoria Cybertruck Owner Caught in Tesla Backlash

  • Cybertruck and Tesla vehicle owners in Victoria are facing increasing harassment tied to public frustration with Elon Musk's influence in U.S. politics.

  • Hiro Fang, owner of restaurants Toro and Uni, reports:

    • Receiving rude gestures while driving his Cybertruck.
    • Finding magnets referencing Elon Musk's hand gesture (interpreted as a fascist salute).
    • Hearing comments like "that car is so ugly" while loading supplies.

  • Sara Q., another Tesla owner, found a threatening note on her Model 3: "ELON – Evil Loser Oligarch Nazi."

  • Survey results from the Tesla Owners Vancouver Island Facebook page:

    • 18% of 282 members reported being harassed due to their vehicle choice.

  • Incidents include:

    • A Victoria BC Transit bus driver shining high beams at a Cybertruck owner on Highway 17.
    • A protest at Langford’s Tesla dealership resulting in spray-painting with "Tesla Backlash."

  • ICBC reports: No filed vandalism claims involving Cybertrucks on Vancouver Island, but social media shows increasing videos and photos of such incidents.

Business Insights and Market Implications

  • Negative Publicity Impact:

    • Harassment of Tesla owners reflects broader anti-Musk sentiment.
    • Could harm Tesla's brand image in Victoria and other regions.

  • Customer Perception:

    • Potential customers may avoid Tesla vehicles due to fear of backlash.
    • Owners like Hiro Fang face reputational damage and safety concerns.

  • Market Trends:

    • Growing anti-Musk sentiment could impact Tesla sales and customer loyalty.
    • Competitors may capitalize on negative perceptions to attract buyers.

  • Competitive Dynamics:

    • Cybertruck's unique design, while a marketing tool for owners like Fang, becomes a target for harassment.
    • Tesla's polarizing brand image creates both opportunity and risk.

  • Regulatory Considerations:

    • Possible need for local authorities to address vehicle-related harassment.
    • Potential long-term effects on Tesla's market share if backlash continues.

  • Strategic Implications:

    • Tesla may need to address public perception of its leadership and products.
    • Business owners relying on Tesla vehicles for operations face increased risks of reputational harm and safety concerns.

Long-Term Effects

  • The harassment trend could signal broader societal shifts in consumer behavior toward brands tied to controversial figures.
  • If unresolved, the backlash may lead to a decline in Tesla's market share in regions like Victoria.
  • Competitors may use anti-Musk sentiment as a marketing tool to attract customers.