Allegations have surfaced about drug use involving some of Tesla’s current and former board members, including commentary about the company’s CEO, Elon Musk. The account is based on reports from a major financial newspaper that cited unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
The information suggests that a subset of executives at Tesla and SpaceX were aware of Musk’s drug use, yet there is no indication of formal legal action or a court case addressing these claims. It is also noted that the board did not initiate an internal investigation into the matter, nor were any notes documenting concerns recorded in meeting minutes.
According to the cited sources, ketamine was used by Musk during discussions with Joe Gebbia, a Tesla board member and co-founder of Airbnb. In addition to Musk, other long-time Tesla board members and associates, including Steve Jarvetson and Antonio Gracias, as well as Kimbal Musk, have been named among those allegedly engaging with drugs.
The reports describe social gatherings attended by Musk’s close circle at a boutique hotel in Mexico, where participants reportedly used drugs. The narrative portrays a climate where individuals in Musk’s orbit feel reluctant to challenge or jeopardize their standing with the billionaire, fearing repercussions that could arise from speaking out or losing access to his influence and networks.
Earlier coverage indicated that Tesla and SpaceX directors expressed concerns about Musk’s drug use and the potential implications for the companies’ futures. The discussions reportedly touched on the possibility that the alleged behavior could affect ongoing business trajectories and governance outcomes.
There is also mention of the legal representative for Musk describing routine drug testing and asserting that Musk has consistently passed these tests. The lawyer emphasized that testing protocols have been followed and that no drug use has been disclosed through official channels tied to regulatory or corporate governance processes.
Subsequent statements attributed to Musk included denials of the reported drug use. The broader context of these assertions points to ongoing tension between private behavior, public perception, and corporate governance responsibilities within Tesla and SpaceX.
In addition to the specific drug-use claims, the coverage alludes to the broader issue of governance oversight in high-profile technology companies, especially when leadership actions or personal conduct intersect with strategic commitments, such as major government contracts and long-range company plans. The implications for investors and stakeholders center on transparency, risk management, and the need for clear documentation of concerns within board records while maintaining respect for due process and factual accuracy.
Observers note that developments in this area can influence how boards approach executive oversight, risk assessment, and communications with regulators. The dynamic also underscores the importance of independent governance practices that protect both corporate integrity and shareholder interests, even amid intense public scrutiny of leadership behavior.
Without a formal conclusion or admission of wrongdoing, the narrative remains a topic of ongoing discussion among industry analysts and observers. The situation highlights the delicate balance boards must strike between safeguarding corporate governance standards and avoiding unfounded conclusions about personal conduct that could affect the companies’ strategic trajectories and market perceptions.