In one of his recent broadcasts, famous TV host Jimmy Kimmel made a sarcastic comment that has ignited social media. With his trademark dry humor, Kimmel exaggeratedly urged people not to vandalize Elon Musk’s Tesla vehicles, sparking a wave of online reactions.
During his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! , the American presenter made reference to the recent controversies surrounding Elon Musk, the tycoon behind Tesla and X (formerly Twitter). Kimmel jokingly said:
“Please, people, don’t scratch the Teslas, don’t break their mirrors, or leave offensive messages on them. That would be very wrong… Very, very wrong,” he emphasized each word with exaggeration and theatrical gestures.
Although his intention was clearly humorous, some viewers interpreted his remarks as a tongue-in-cheek call to damage the billionaire’s electric vehicles. Social media quickly ignited with debates about whether the joke crossed a dangerous line.
Elon Musk, who is known for his active presence on X and his habit of responding directly to criticism, was quick to react. In his own sarcastic style, he posted on his account:
“Thanks for the advice, Jimmy. We really needed it!”
Musk’s comment was enough to further fuel the discussion. While some users defended Kimmel’s humor, others felt his joke could inspire inappropriate action against Tesla owners.
Musk’s fans and detractors took the conversation viral on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok. Some users shared memes of Kimmel’s comment, while others expressed concern about the safety of his Tesla cars.
“It doesn’t matter if it was a joke, there are people who will take it seriously ,” one user commented. Another, in a lighter tone, said: “I’m going to put a sign on my Tesla that says ‘Jimmy Kimmel said don’t touch me.’ ”
Even influential accounts joined the debate, with analysts questioning whether public figures like Kimmel should be more cautious with their words, given the polarization surrounding Musk and his companies.
Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to criticizing Elon Musk. On several occasions, the host has used his show to satirize the tech mogul, particularly his business decisions and his stance on freedom of expression in the United States.
In a previous episode, Kimmel mocked Musk’s management of his companies, saying the billionaire “runs Twitter like it’s his personal Reddit account .” His comment drew laughter from the audience, but also angry responses from the entrepreneur’s followers.
Although Tesla remains one of the world’s most valuable brands, any controversy involving Elon Musk tends to affect his public image. Kimmel’s jokes, while seemingly harmless, could reinforce certain negative perceptions about the company and its founder.
However, marketing experts believe Tesla is a strong enough brand to be unaffected by this type of controversy. “Elon Musk has built a very loyal following. For every person who mocks Tesla, there are hundreds willing to defend it ,” commented one automotive industry analyst.
Jimmy Kimmel’s sarcastic comment has once again put Elon Musk at the center of the digital conversation. While some dismissed it as a mere joke, others argue that in the current climate of extreme polarization on social media, public figures should be more cautious about their words.
For now, Tesla keeps selling cars, Musk keeps tweeting, and Kimmel keeps cracking jokes. But the question remains: how far can humor go without real consequences?
