In the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, the cast went after Elon Musk with a brutal cold open that had the live audience and viewers at home groaning.
Mike Myers portrayed Musk, delivering a sharp critique of the billionaire in a skit that involved a bizarre mockery of his actions and persona.
The scene began with Myers impersonating Musk in a cheese hat, referencing a real-life rally in Wisconsin.
What followed was a biting satire that mocked Musk’s business ventures, political influence, and eccentricities, with the audience visibly uncomfortable.
Musk Mocked for Role in Politics and Tesla’s Troubles
The skit didn’t hold back, with Myers’ portrayal of Musk admitting to failed political attempts and the ongoing struggles of his electric car brand.
“I should’ve just bought Wisconsin,” Myers quipped, referencing Musk’s failed influence on the state’s election results.
The satire continued as the show made fun of his exit from the Department of Government Efficiency, sarcastically suggesting that he was needed back at Tesla due to the company’s declining popularity.
The show even mocked Tesla’s new “Model V,” an electric car with absurd features like “AI-powered graffiti” and smashed headlights.
While the jokes hit hard, they left many viewers feeling uncomfortable, with some even criticizing the show for crossing a line.
Elon Musk Responds to SNL’s Attack
Elon Musk wasn’t silent about the sketch. Taking to his platform, X, he criticized the show for losing its touch. “SNL hasn’t been funny in a long time.
They are their own parody,” Musk wrote. Many of his supporters echoed the sentiment, with some fans calling the skit “mean-spirited” and “poorly executed.”
Others felt that the jokes were in bad taste, especially considering Musk’s public disclosure of his Asperger’s diagnosis, which was touched on in the skit.
Musk himself had revealed his condition during his 2021 SNL appearance, where he joked about his social awkwardness and eccentric behavior.
Public Reaction: Divided Between Laughter and Discomfort
While many viewers expressed discomfort with the skit, some found the parody hilarious.
Comments ranged from praise for Mike Myers’ portrayal of Musk to criticisms about the tone of the jokes.
A few even called the skit “brilliant” and “funny as hell.” Still, a sizable portion of the audience felt that the jokes were “cringe” and not up to SNL’s usual comedic standard.
The public response reflected the ongoing division in how Musk is perceived, with some seeing him as a visionary and others viewing him as a target for ridicule.
Musk’s Shifting Role and His Political Influence
The timing of the SNL skit also coincided with Musk’s shifting role in politics. Recently, he announced that he would be stepping back from his position as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a decision that surprised many in Washington.
The move followed a series of political actions, including Musk’s support for Wisconsin’s Republican candidate, Brad Schimel, in the recent election.
Despite his involvement in political campaigns, Musk’s departure from the government role suggests a change in his focus, returning to Tesla and SpaceX, where he faces new challenges.
Controversy Surrounding Tesla and Recent Attacks
Meanwhile, Musk’s companies have been facing growing controversies. Just days ago, a woman was filmed vandalizing a Tesla in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
The incident, which was captured on camera, involved the woman allegedly scratching the vehicle in front of her children.
The footage quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Tesla supporters and further adding to the negative press surrounding the brand.
Internationally, Tesla also faced setbacks when a showroom in Italy was destroyed in an arson attack that left 17 electric cars burned.
Investigations into the fire are ongoing, but the incident highlights the increasing hostility faced by the electric car company.
The Ongoing Debate Over Elon Musk’s Influence
Elon Musk remains a polarizing figure, with his ambitious goals for space exploration, electric vehicles, and even political influence continuing to stir debate.
As the SNL skit demonstrated, Musk is not only a target for humor but also a figure who stirs strong emotions, both positive and negative.
Despite the controversies, Musk continues to press forward with his ventures, facing criticism, but also receiving unwavering support from his fans and employees.
As Musk navigates the fallout from his SNL appearance and the challenges facing Tesla, it remains to be seen how these public and private battles will affect his reputation and legacy.
