Tesla Faces Lawsuit in France Over Musk’s Public Image

A group of Tesla owners in France has filed a lawsuit against the electric carmaker, arguing that Elon Musk’s increasingly political and controversial public image has tainted the brand and affected their ability to use the vehicle without backlash.

Represented by the GKA law firm, the plaintiffs claim that Tesla vehicles have become involuntary symbols of far-right ideology, particularly after Musk expressed support for Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and Germany’s AfD party. The lawsuit, filed at the Paris Commercial Court, seeks to cancel lease agreements and obtain financial compensation for what the drivers describe as reputational harm and misuse of customer trust.

Lawyers involved in the case emphasize that the plaintiffs do not wish to engage in politics by association and argue that customers should not be held accountable for Musk’s personal behavior or statements. The lawsuit comes amid declining Tesla sales across major European markets, with analysts pointing to growing discomfort over the CEO’s polarizing presence in political discourse.

Tesla has yet to issue a formal response to the legal action. While this case is the first of its kind in France, it could set a precedent for how a CEO’s public actions may influence consumer-brand relationships and potentially drive legal consequences.