Bette Midler Makes Bold Move: Sells Her Tesla and Slams Elon Musk in Explosive Statement

In a stunning move that has taken both the entertainment and tech worlds by surprise, legendary performer Bette Midler has parted ways with her Tesla, and the reason behind her decision is anything but ordinary. Midler, known for her outspokenness on social issues, made headlines once again after announcing her decision to sell the electric vehicle she once championed—turning heads with an unexpected statement that sent shockwaves through social media.

On February 27, 2023, Midler made her grand entrance at the 25th Costume Designers Guild Awards, where she was spotted in a dazzling ensemble. But it was not her red-carpet appearance that had people talking; it was her Instagram and Bluesky posts where she openly celebrated the sale of her Tesla.

“What a joyful day!” Midler wrote, expressing excitement over the sale of her electric car. But the excitement quickly turned to controversy when the iconic singer and actress shared her reasons for parting ways with the vehicle. Midler didn’t mince words, referring to her Tesla as “a symbol of racism, greed, and ignorance.” And she didn’t stop there—she pointed fingers directly at the car’s CEO, Elon Musk, whose leadership of Tesla and involvement with controversial tech projects have made him a polarizing figure in the public eye.

Bette Midler’s Bold Stance: A Symbol of Change or Controversy?

Midler’s sharp criticism of Elon Musk and Tesla was not a random outburst—it was a calculated move that echoed her long-standing commitment to environmental causes, social justice, and holding powerful figures accountable. As an environmental advocate, Midler’s decision to sell her Tesla came as a surprise to some, given her previous stance on electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to gas-powered cars.

However, in her latest post, Midler made it clear that her environmental concerns were deeply intertwined with her views on societal issues. She didn’t just criticize the car; she criticized what it represented in her eyes: “racism, greed, and ignorance.”

For many, this harsh assessment of the electric vehicle company and its CEO raised eyebrows. How could someone so passionate about environmental causes—and, in many ways, an icon of liberal activism—decide to publicly sever ties with a company that promotes sustainability? The answer lies in Midler’s disdain for Musk’s leadership, his controversial behavior, and his influence on the tech world. It’s clear from her statement that Midler felt the need to disassociate herself from the Tesla brand, not only because of its environmental impact, but due to her broader disapproval of Musk’s actions.

The Backlash: Elon Musk, Tesla, and the Growing Divide

While Midler’s fans have rallied behind her stance, the decision has ignited a heated debate online. Musk’s supporters have jumped to his defense, pointing to the innovative strides Tesla has made in revolutionizing the automotive industry and reducing carbon emissions. For many, Tesla remains a beacon of progress in the quest for cleaner energy and electric transportation.

But for Midler, the issue goes beyond just the car. Her statements highlight the deepening divide between the worlds of environmental advocacy and the realities of working with tech moguls like Musk, whose political stances and actions have raised alarm bells for many progressives. From Musk’s involvement in political debates to his increasingly divisive public persona, Midler’s comments underscore the complex relationship between celebrities, corporations, and the people who choose to align with them.

Tesla’s reputation has also been tarnished in recent years, with the company facing accusations of mistreatment of employees, environmental concerns, and Musk’s own behavior on social media. Midler’s decision to publicly cut ties with the company reflects a growing trend where individuals are reevaluating their associations with powerful figures in tech, especially as those figures’ political views and actions diverge further from their original brand identity.

From Hollywood to the White House: The Connection Between Midler, Musk, and Donald Trump

The timing of Midler’s decision to sell her Tesla couldn’t have been more pointed, especially with recent political events that continue to swirl around Elon Musk. In March 2025, Musk was photographed with former President Donald Trump while seated in a Tesla vehicle at the South Portico of the White House. The image of the two men, whose political ideologies are often diametrically opposed to Midler’s own, serves as a stark reminder of the complicated dynamics that exist between celebrity culture, politics, and business.

Midler, who has long been an outspoken critic of Trump’s presidency, couldn’t help but see the connection between Musk’s growing influence and Trump’s continued political presence. Musk, whose ventures span from electric cars to space exploration, has become an influential figure with ties to various political figures—including Trump. Midler’s decision to part ways with her Tesla seems to be a symbolic rejection of what Musk has come to represent in her eyes: corporate greed, political alignment with controversial figures, and a disregard for the impact his actions have on the world.

What This Means for Tesla, Musk, and the Future of the Environmental Movement

Bette Midler’s bold move has raised important questions about the intersection of environmental activism, corporate responsibility, and political influence. While Musk’s supporters continue to laud him as a visionary who is pushing for technological innovation and a sustainable future, Midler’s public rejection of Tesla highlights the complexity of aligning with powerful figures who don’t always share the same values.

Midler’s message is clear: environmentalism isn’t just about green energy; it’s also about ensuring that companies and individuals working in the space are held to a higher ethical standard. The implications of her stance could resonate far beyond the world of celebrity activism, sparking a larger conversation about the ethical responsibilities of those at the top of the tech world and the industries they influence.

For Tesla, this is a moment of reckoning. While the company continues to dominate the electric vehicle market, it’s clear that the tide is shifting. Public figures like Midler are using their platform to speak out against what they see as corporate overreach and moral shortcomings. As more individuals begin to ask tough questions about the impact of tech giants on the environment, politics, and society at large, the debate over the future of electric vehicles—and the influence of figures like Elon Musk—will only intensify.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for Bette Midler and Tesla?

As Bette Midler moves forward with her decision, her fans and critics alike will continue to follow her journey. Whether this act of defiance leads to lasting change in the public’s perception of Tesla or Musk’s influence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Midler has once again used her platform to make a bold statement about the values she holds dear.

For Tesla, the road ahead may be more challenging than ever, as public figures and everyday consumers alike begin to reevaluate their relationship with the company. Will Midler’s decision to part ways with Tesla become a catalyst for a larger movement, or will it fade into the background as just another celebrity protest?

As we continue to grapple with questions about environmental responsibility, corporate power, and political influence, one thing is clear: Bette Midler’s decision to sell her Tesla has ignited a much-needed conversation about what it truly means to advocate for change in today’s complex world.