Elon Musk has addressed recent allegations of drug use, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine, asserting that “not even trace quantities” of drugs or alcohol were detected in his system during three years of random drug testing. Musk’s response follows a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report claiming that the world’s richest man routinely took illegal drugs at global parties, causing concerns among Tesla and SpaceX board members.
In a reply to a post referencing the WSJ report, Musk stated, “After that one puff with Rogan, I agreed, at NASA’s request, to do 3 years of random drug testing. Not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol.”
Elon Musk had famously smoked marijuana during an episode of the Joe Rogan podcast in 2018, leading to criticism from NASA. The space agency demanded written assurances from SpaceX that the company was adhering to federal drug-free workplace laws.
The WSJ report suggested that Musk’s drug use had raised concerns among Tesla and SpaceX members. Linda Johnson Rice, a former director, reportedly left the company in 2019 due to concerns about Musk’s volatile behavior and drug consumption. Additionally, several Tesla directors, including current chairman Robyn Denholm, allegedly approached Musk’s brother Kimbal Musk for assistance with Musk’s behavior, refraining from explicitly mentioning “drugs.”
Elon Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, had previously informed the WSJ that Musk is “regularly and randomly drug tested at SpaceX and has never failed a test.” Spiro also mentioned that there were other “false facts” in the WSJ article without providing specific details.
According to reports, individuals on the Tesla board and those close to Musk expressed concerns that he might have been under the influence of drugs when he tweeted about taking Tesla private in 2018. The tweet triggered an SEC investigation, resulting in a $40 million fine and Musk’s resignation as Tesla chairman.
Musk’s response emphasizes his commitment to complying with drug testing requirements and refutes allegations of ongoing drug use. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO has been subjected to scrutiny in the past for his public behavior and statements on social media.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s drug use adds to the complex narrative surrounding his leadership and decision-making. As an influential figure in the tech and automotive industries, Musk’s actions and public statements have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the challenges faced by executives in managing their public image, especially in industries where corporate governance and regulatory compliance are closely monitored.
Moving forward, Musk’s commitment to clean drug tests and the legal response from his lawyer may play a role in addressing concerns raised by the WSJ report. The balance between personal conduct, corporate governance, and adherence to legal standards will likely remain a topic of discussion in the ongoing narrative surrounding Elon Musk’s leadership in the business world.