Joe Palazzolo, an investigative reporter from The Wall Street Journal, and Andrew Hawkins, Transportation Editor at The Verge, dive into the controversial world of Elon Musk. They discuss the inappropriate workplace relationships at SpaceX and how Tesla shareholders rewarded him despite these issues. The duo explores challenges faced by women in high-stakes environments, revealing troubling dynamics and cultural implications. They also unpack the astonishing $56 billion compensation package approved for Musk, highlighting the tension between his business successes and management controversies.
Tesla shareholders rewarded Elon Musk despite misconduct allegations at SpaceX.
The investigation into Musk's behavior highlights challenges in balancing achievements with accountability in leadership roles.
Deep dives
Allegations of Inappropriate Relationships at SpaceX
Elon Musk's conduct towards women at SpaceX has come under scrutiny, with allegations of inappropriate relationships and behavior emerging. One woman, who worked at SpaceX as an intern, described a relationship with Musk that started during her internship and continued into her employment. She detailed instances of Musk making advances, late-night messages, and attempting to rekindle their relationship, leading to discomfort and a challenging work environment. The story sheds light on Musk's interactions with female employees and the impact on their experiences at SpaceX.
Legal Response and Conflicting Accounts
Following the report, the woman involved indicated through her lawyers that there was a romantic relationship with Musk before her return to SpaceX in 2017, but they never had sexual relations during her employment. She denied any predatory behavior from Musk and described visits to his house as platonic, involving discussions and watching anime. The legal response highlighted differing accounts of the nature of their relationship and interactions, raising questions about transparency and communication between the parties involved.
Workplace Dynamics and Shareholder Decisions
The investigation into Musk's behavior at SpaceX raised broader questions about workplace dynamics, power imbalances, and accountability. Shareholders of Tesla, another company led by Musk, recently voted to award him a significant pay package despite concerns about his leadership and past workplace conduct. The episode underscores the tension between acknowledging professional achievements and addressing allegations of misconduct, highlighting the complexities of assessing leadership in corporate settings.
Elon Musk has had inappropriate relationships with SpaceX employees. Tesla shareholders knew that, and chose to reward him with a massive payday anyway. The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Palazzolo and The Verge’s Andrew Hawkins explain.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.