SpaceX is one of Elon Musk’s companies that has played a part in vaulting him into the public consciousness and his Billionaire status. The company’s innovative approach to launching, landing, and reusing the first stage of a rocket booster is a cost-effective way for government agencies and private companies to launch satellites and other equipment into space more quickly. It also plays a pivotal role in launching the company’s Starlink satellites into space that will bring satellite internet to rural places. As much input he has on the daily activities has on the company, Elon’s Twitter activity has become a part of his story, and it is tanking morale with SpaceX workers.
An open letter that has been circulating internally at SpaceX is criticizing Elon’s online behavior. This comes as sexual misconduct allegations have resurfaced alongside the growing right-leaning sentiments and minor confrontations on Twitter. Even as his opinions are his own, employees feel like as SpaceX’s figurehead, his stances may be perceived as the company’s and the people working there. The memo has been circulating around internal company chat spaces and signatures are being gathered among SpaceX employees in hopes that it will be sent to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell in an attempt to curtail some of Elon’s Twitter diatribes.
Quotes from the memo obtained by The Verge reveal some scathing remarks, claiming “Elon’s behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment.” The memo also claims “…every Tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company.” Employees are concerned that Elon’s continued crass online behavior may damage SpaceX’s reputation and also scare away new prospective workers. Employees also seek clarity or reprimand of Elon Musk in line with company-wide anti-harassment policies.
This isn’t even the only controversy at one of Elon’s companies, as Tesla was recently fined by the federal courts for discrimination against a Black employee. The employee was initially awarded $137 Million in damages but was amended after a judge saw that $15 Million was the maximum the company could be fined for the offense. Tesla is also being investigated by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the same department that is suing Activision-Blizzard, for different charges of alleged discrimination against another group of Black workers.
Elon Musk’s Twitter usage has become polarizing in recent years and with increasing frequency. His need to be one of Twitter’s most notable meme-lords has gotten him into hot water, but that hasn’t deterred him. Elon has earned the ire of many communities including the gaming community as his Elden Ring build has been thoroughly mocked. Elon skirted accountability on the sexual misconduct allegations and time will tell if he will have to answer to his employees or other SpaceX executives.
Source: The Verge
