Executives Worried About Drug Use During SpaceX Meeting
Executives at Elon Musk's companies, including SpaceX, have expressed concerns about his alleged drug use, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. During an all-hands meeting at SpaceX, Musk arrived nearly an hour late and reportedly rambled and slurred his words for about 15 minutes before SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell took over the meeting.
Musk's Incoherent Behavior Raises Concerns
The Journal described Musk's behavior during the meeting as "nonsensical," "unhinged," and "cringeworthy." His incoherence led some executives to privately speculate if he was under the influence of drugs.
Substance Use Puts SpaceX at Risk
Musk's reported drug use, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine, has become a major concern for executives at his companies. At SpaceX, where compliance with federal regulations is crucial due to government contracts, the risk of illicit drug use could jeopardize billions of dollars in assets, thousands of jobs, and the future of the US space program.
Response from Musk's Representatives
Representatives for Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. However, Musk's attorney, Alex Spiro, disputed The Journal's description of the all-hands meeting, stating that it was "false" and contradicted by multiple witnesses.
Previous Incidents and Consequences
Musk's drug use has been a topic of concern in the past. He has publicly discussed using ketamine to treat depression, and an incident where he smoked marijuana on a podcast led to NASA requiring SpaceX to adhere to federal guidelines on drug use and spend $5 million to train employees. Musk's drug use has also caused frustration among executives in his other companies, including former Tesla director Linda Johnson Rice.
Board Speculation and SEC Investigation
Some Tesla board members have speculated whether Musk's behavior, possibly influenced by drugs, played a role in his controversial tweet about taking the company private in 2018. This tweet shocked shareholders and triggered an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, resulting in $40 million in penalties and Musk temporarily stepping down as Tesla chairman.
Overall, the concerns surrounding Musk's alleged drug use highlight the challenges faced by executives in managing his behavior and ensuring compliance within their organizations.
Read the original article on Business Insider.
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By: ktangalakislippert@businessinsider.com (Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert,Lloyd Lee,Hannah Getahun)
Title: SpaceX Executives Concerned About Elon Musk’s Drug Use, According to WSJ
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-drug-use-cringeworthy-spacex-meeting-wsj-2024-1
Published Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2024 05:52:11 +0000
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