French drivers sue Tesla claiming Musk turned cars into ‘extreme-Right’ symbol
11 June 2025, 14:50
Tesla owners in France have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, claiming the tech mogul has turned the cars into symbols of the ‘extreme-Right'.
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The group are suing the world's richest man in a bid to exit their contracts early, claiming his outspoken comments and political affiliations have caused harm.
Around 10 drivers in France have claimed they suffered "direct and concrete" damage as a result of Tesla's link to "Elon Musk's actions", the GKA law firm said.
According to the lawsuit, the drivers claim his links to the White House, as well as throwing his weight behind Germany's far-Right
It follows a worldwide backlash against the car giant, resulting in plummeting sales for the and online comments labelling the vehicle a "swasti-car".
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The lawsuit comes as Tesla sales across Europe have almost halved since the beginning of 2025 - figures linked to Musk's political affilliations.
Drivers in France are now demanding the Paris Commercial Court orders the termination of their lease contracts and reimburse their legal costs.
A statement, signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel, detailed that Musk's "actions" had led the vehicle to become a "political symbol" and far-Right "totem".
"Because of Elon Musk's actions... Tesla branded vehicles have become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable extreme-right 'totems', to the dismay of those who acquired them with the sole aim of possessing an innovative and ecological vehicle," GKA said in a statement.
The perception of the Teslas they leased "prevents them from fully enjoying their car", it said.
"The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French Tesla owners," Klugman told AFP.
Adding: "Musk's political positions have interrupted enjoyment" of the vehicles, and "we believe that Mr Musk owes these buyers the peaceful possession of the thing sold."
Recent months have seen Tesla owners around the world adorn their vehicles with stickers reading "I bought this before Elon went crazy".
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