Sheryl Crow has never been one to stay silent on
issues close to her heart. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has used her
platform to speak out on everything from environmental activism to politics,
but her latest move has set off a firestorm of debate.
In a public stand against Elon Musk’s political
influence, Crow recently announced that she had sold her Tesla and
donated the entire proceeds to NPR, the public radio network that Musk
has repeatedly criticized.
Her decision, which she documented on social media,
has sparked a heated discussion—dividing her fans, drawing backlash, and
reigniting conversations about Musk’s growing role in American politics.
But this was more than just a symbolic act.
Crow’s message? Who you align with matters.
Sheryl Crow Calls Out Elon
Musk—And Bids Her Tesla Farewell
The Missouri-born singer, now 63, has been outspoken
about her political views, often clashing with conservative voices and
figures aligned with former President Donald Trump.
This time, however, her frustration was aimed at
Elon Musk, who she believes is using his influence to reshape American
society in ways that threaten journalism and democracy.
Taking to Instagram, Crow posted a video of herself standing beside her black Tesla, preparing to say goodbye.
With a mix of defiance and nostalgia, she addressed
her followers:
“My parents always said… you are who you hang out
with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align
with. So long, Tesla.”
The camera rolled as a tow truck arrived,
loaded the Tesla onto its bed, and drove it away—a dramatic farewell
that was impossible to ignore.
For Crow, this was more than just selling a car.
It was a message—a rejection of what she sees as Elon Musk’s
dangerous influence on public discourse.
And she didn’t stop there.
She took the money from the sale and donated it to
NPR, the news organization that Musk has openly criticized, labeling it
“state-affiliated media” on X (formerly Twitter).
Why Is Sheryl Crow
Protesting Elon Musk?
Crow’s frustration with Musk goes beyond his business
empire. She has been increasingly vocal about his political ties, his
influence over technology and media, and his apparent alignment with figures
like Donald Trump.
Her donation to NPR wasn’t random. It was a direct
response to Musk’s repeated attacks on the network, where he has
suggested that it should be defunded and forced to survive without public
money.
“Money donated to @NPR, which is under threat by
President Musk, in hopes that the truth will continue to find its way to those
willing to know the truth.” — Sheryl Crow
Musk, who has described himself as politically
independent, has still drawn criticism for his decisions and statements
that many believe align with conservative and right-wing ideologies.
Crow’s concern? That Musk’s influence over social
media, technology, and public narratives is a growing threat to
objective journalism and free speech.
She’s not alone in this belief. Many critics argue
that Musk’s control over platforms like X has allowed misinformation to
spread unchecked, while his moves to redefine public discourse have made
it harder for legitimate news organizations to reach their audiences.
By selling her Tesla and donating the proceeds, Crow
made it clear where she stands.
The Backlash—Critics Call
Crow “Woke” and Out of Touch
As expected, Crow’s public stand didn’t sit well
with everyone.
While many fans applauded her decision, others
saw it as pointless virtue signaling, questioning whether selling a
single Tesla would actually have any impact on Musk’s billion-dollar
empire.
Social media was flooded with reactions,
ranging from admiration to outright hostility.
- Supporters praised her boldness, calling
her an example of using one’s platform and wealth for good.
- Critics called her “woke” and out of touch, arguing that she was just another celebrity trying to stay
relevant by attacking Musk.
- Some accused her of hypocrisy, pointing
out that she had already benefited from Musk’s technology before
deciding to take a stand.
One particularly harsh comment gained traction
online:
“Just because you had a hit 30 years ago doesn’t mean
anyone cares about your opinion, or even remembers who you are.”
Others mocked her for selling her Tesla,
arguing that she was simply replacing it with another luxury car and
that her donation to NPR was just a publicity stunt.
But Crow remained unfazed.
For her, this wasn’t about making a dent in Musk’s
fortune—it was about sending a message.
Elon Musk vs. NPR: A Bigger
Battle
Crow’s protest is just one chapter in the
ongoing battle between Elon Musk and mainstream journalism outlets like NPR.
Musk has repeatedly accused NPR of biased reporting,
aligning with figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has called
for investigations into whether NPR and PBS have ignored stories critical of
the Biden administration.
On X, Musk has made his stance clear:
“Defund NPR. It should survive on its own.”
His supporters argue that taxpayer dollars
shouldn’t fund media organizations that lean politically left, while
critics warn that defunding public broadcasting would weaken independent
journalism and deepen misinformation problems.
By choosing NPR as the recipient of her donation,
Crow sent a direct message to Musk and his supporters—one that will
likely keep this debate alive for weeks to come.
A History of Political
Outspokenness
This isn’t the first time Sheryl Crow has taken a
political stand—and it certainly won’t be the last.
- In 2017, she publicly hoped that Donald Trump would be
impeached, describing his presidency as “nothing but chaos”.
- On Election Day, she openly supported Kamala Harris,
saying that she voted for a candidate who represented “empathy, compassion,
and a heart for the underserved” rather than “hate and division”.
- She has also expressed deep concern over the state of American
democracy, stating that the uncertainty and misinformation
surrounding politics have caused her sleepless nights.
Her latest move is just another chapter in her long
history of activism—one that will undoubtedly continue to spark
conversation and controversy.
Final Thoughts: Will This
Protest Matter?
Sheryl Crow’s decision to sell her Tesla might not
change the course of history, but it has succeeded in reigniting a
crucial debate.
Her protest isn’t just about a car or a donation—it’s
about the larger conversation surrounding power, influence, and media
control.
Whether you see her as a courageous activist
standing up for what she believes in or just another celebrity trying to
stay relevant, one thing is certain:
She’s made sure people are paying attention.
And in today’s world, that’s half the battle.
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