Elon Musk Responds to Claims of Unfair 1-Star Rating for Tesla Uber Driver Amid Protests

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, recently addressed a viral social media post claiming that an Uber driver, who was operating a Tesla, received a 1-star rating amidst growing protests against the electric vehicle company. The post, which gained significant traction, highlighted an issue that has drawn attention to the tension between Tesla and protest groups as well as the challenges faced by Tesla drivers.

The Viral Post and Musk’s Response

The controversy began on March 9 when social media personality “Cherdleys” shared a photo showing an Uber driver in the front seat of a Tesla. The image included the text, “Giving Tesla Uber drivers 1-star ratings.” The post was accompanied by the caption, “This is what Tesla drivers deserve.” As the post circulated, it drew widespread attention, with a screenshot of the exchange reaching 11.3 million views on X (formerly Twitter) by 6:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

Musk, never one to shy away from responding to viral content, took to X to express his disagreement with the post, writing, “That’s just plain cruel. The driver did nothing to deserve this.” His response emphasized his belief that such actions were unfair, especially when the driver had no control over the broader protests and issues surrounding the Tesla brand.

Uber Support quickly echoed Musk’s sentiments, commenting, “Totally agree. Ratings should be based on the quality of the service.” However, Uber did not confirm whether the driver in the viral photo actually received the low rating or if the post was an isolated incident.

A Rising Tide of Protests and Violence

This exchange comes in the midst of nationwide protests against Tesla, as tensions surrounding the carmaker continue to escalate. The FBI issued a public warning on Friday urging the public to exercise caution near Tesla properties due to rising incidents of violence directed at Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and dealerships. These attacks, which include incidents of arson, gunfire, and vandalism, have been occurring across the United States. Some officials have even suggested that these acts may be classified as domestic terrorism.

The protests and violence against Tesla are believed to be tied to grievances against Elon Musk’s leadership, as well as broader political and social issues. Since January 2025, Tesla vehicles have been targeted in at least nine states, with some acts of vandalism involving graffiti expressing anti-Tesla sentiment. The protests have escalated after Musk’s appointment by former President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has further polarized public opinion.

Musk’s Public Reassurance to Tesla Employees

As the unrest continues to grow, Musk has made efforts to reassure his employees and supporters. In a meeting at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, Musk encouraged staff to “hang onto your stock” and expressed his frustration with the ongoing coverage of the protests. “It feels like Armageddon,” he admitted, reflecting on the media’s portrayal of Tesla’s struggles.

Musk also revealed the emotional toll that witnessing these violent protests has taken on him personally. “I can’t walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla on fire. You’re like — what is going on?” he said. Despite this, Musk remained optimistic, noting the strong sales figures for Tesla’s Model Y and the upcoming Cybertruck, which could help the company weather the storm.

In a lighter moment during the meeting, Musk added, “Some people, it’s like, ‘Listen, I understand if you don’t want to buy our product, but you don’t have to burn it down — that’s a bit unreasonable, you know. This is psycho.’” His comment, which drew laughter from employees, reflected his frustration with the extreme nature of the protests. “Stop being psycho, OK?” he said, urging those involved to reconsider their approach.

Moving Forward: Tesla and Uber’s Roles

As the situation develops, both Tesla and Uber are facing mounting pressure. Tesla continues to navigate the fallout from the protests and attacks on its vehicles, while Uber must address the potential for biased ratings in light of the ongoing controversy. For Tesla drivers, the combination of public protests and unfair Uber ratings creates an uncertain environment, where their ability to earn a living is being threatened by factors beyond their control.

This episode highlights the broader implications of public sentiment on businesses and individuals alike. With Tesla at the center of political debates and protests, it remains to be seen how Musk and his company will continue to respond to the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the protests against Tesla are far from over, and both Musk and his employees are bracing for what may come next in this complex and rapidly evolving situation.