Shocking accusation against Elon Musk: He can't have done this!
Elon Musk, who holds the position of the world's richest person, faced a rather peculiar accusation.
According to recent reports from The Wall Street Journal, Tesla, the prominent electric vehicle manufacturer, may be facing an internal investigation into allegations of misuse of company resources by CEO Elon Musk. The board of directors has reportedly raised concerns about Musk’s supposed use of company funds for the building of a personal home near the Austin-area Gigafactory. This project, internally named “Project 42,” is said to have involved substantial purchases of specialized glass, drawing the attention of employees.
Any expense exceeding $120,000 needs to be audited by a board committee within the company. The proposed design of Musk's residence is said to include distinctive features such as a “twisted hexagon” or a glass cube that resembles the iconic Apple store on 5th Avenue. The plans reportedly included personal areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, suggesting a private residence rather than an extension of a Tesla facility.
Shocking accusation against Elon Musk: He can't have done this!
At the moment, the details and outcome of the investigation remain undisclosed. Tesla had dissolved its public relations department a few years ago and Musk has yet to comment on the matter. The main goal of the investigation is believed to be to determine Musk's involvement in the project and to investigate whether company working hours were used for the construction of this personal residence. It is also reported that several limited liability firms associated with Musk and other Tesla executives have purchased large tracts of land nearby, adding another dimension to the investigation.
Despite it being somewhat customary for executives to receive certain perks, Tesla is known for its rigorous policy. The company requires that any related party expenses over $120,000 are subject to an audit review by a board committee. This is not the first instance of a high-profile tech executive coming under scrutiny for personal expenses, as demonstrated by the recent investigation into former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg.
Additionally, Musk is currently dealing with an ongoing conflict with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding his use of social media to release financial information. As the investigation continues, it could potentially lead to far-reaching consequences for both Tesla and Elon Musk, drawing the close attention of industry analysts and stakeholders.