Paris — June 11, 2025: A group of French Tesla customers has launched legal action against the U.S. electric carmaker, claiming that Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial political positions have turned their vehicles into symbols of the far right.
The suit, filed with the Paris commercial court, seeks to terminate the plaintiffs’ lease contracts and reimburse legal costs.
The legal complaint, brought by approximately ten clients and represented by the Paris-based GKA law firm, argues that Musk’s public actions and statements have tainted the Tesla brand, leading to what the firm describes as “direct and concrete” reputational damage.
“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 press statement signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel.
The plaintiffs argue that their ability to enjoy their vehicles has been compromised, with the perception of Teslas on the road becoming politically charged.
The law firm claims that some Tesla drivers in France have been subjected to insults and even vandalism, with the cars being dubbed “swasti-cars” in online discussions — a nod to Musk’s controversial associations and gestures.
The legal move comes amid a sharp downturn in Tesla’s sales across the European Union, which have reportedly almost halved since the start of the year. Industry analysts point to Musk’s polarizing political activities as a contributing factor.
These include his former public alignment with U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and the circulation of videos showing him making a gesture widely interpreted as a Nazi salute — although Musk has denied any such intent.
“The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French Tesla owners,” said Klugman in an interview with AFP. “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.”
The lawsuit highlights the intersection of consumer rights and corporate leadership, raising questions about whether a company can or should be held accountable for the public behavior of its high-profile CEO.
The French plaintiffs are specifically targeting the termination of their four-year lease contracts, which typically offer the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the term.
In response to growing backlash, some Tesla owners in Europe have started placing stickers on their cars reading “I bought this before Elon went crazy” in an effort to distance themselves from Musk’s politics.
Tesla, which has not issued an official comment on the lawsuit, has faced protests outside its dealerships in Europe, North America, and Canada. Demonstrators have called on the company to hold Musk accountable or, as one protest banner put it, to “send Musk to Mars.”
The case will be closely watched across Europe, particularly in markets where Tesla once enjoyed strong environmental and innovation credentials.
For now, the legal challenge represents a unique and possibly precedent-setting moment in the complex relationship between brand image and executive conduct.
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