Bette Midler celebrates selling her Tesla while calling it a 'symbol of racism, greed and ignorance'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a bold and vocal move that merges personal choice with political protest, Bette Midler is officially done with Tesla, and she’s singing about it.

The 79-year-old entertainment icon and environmentalist shared that she sold her Tesla across her Instagram and Bluesky accounts, the Daily News reported.

Bette Midler sells her Tesla, slams Elon Musk

“What a joyful day!” Bette Midler posted. “I sold my (gulp) Tesla!”

The 'Hocus Pocus' actress, who has long championed green initiatives, shocked fans with her decision to part ways with her electric vehicle.

But her reasoning was clear—despite Tesla’s eco-friendly appeal, its connection to controversial CEO Elon Musk made the car feel more like a burden than a badge of sustainability.

“No longer do I have to drive a symbol of racism, greed and ignorance,” Midler wrote, referring to Tesla’s ties to Musk, whose political maneuverings have alienated many progressive supporters.

“Life is suddenly so much better!!!” she shared, celebrating her alignment with a growing movement of people cutting ties with Musk-owned products.

In another post, she combined a list of "Top 10 corporate welfare recipients" as she asked the question, "Where’s Tesla on this list?  He’s gotten plenty!"

Tesla backlash grows as Elon Musk’s political ties alienate liberal fans

Elon Musk’s increasingly polarizing presence on the global stage has cast a shadow over his companies, including Tesla.

Once seen as the golden standard in green innovation, the automobile company is now being viewed by some as a reflection of its founder’s political ambitions.

Musk has spent billions supporting far-right figures and causes, and his efforts to cut federal programs have only fueled further backlash.

Musk’s status as what some call Trump’s “first buddy” has triggered a wave of Tesla rejections among left-leaning consumers, the outlet said.

He reportedly poured nearly $3 billion into efforts to secure Trump’s reelection and further his conservative agenda, actions that have not sat well with many former Tesla fans, including several celebrities.

Midler is no stranger to political discourse.

A fierce critic of both Trump and Musk, she stopped using X (formerly Twitter) a day after Trump’s reelection, marking her quiet protest against the social media platform's ownership.

Celebrities ditch their Teslas amid vandalism and backlash

Bette Midler’s announcement follows a similar stand by Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, who in February documented her own Tesla being towed away in a video.

“My parents always said… you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla,” Crow wrote on Instagram.

Crow added that she donated money from the sale of her car to NPR—a move seen as a direct counter to Musk’s anti-media rhetoric and budget-slashing political agenda.

She concluded, “Money donated to @npr, which is under threat by President Musk, in hopes that the truth will continue to find its way to those willing to know the truth."

While some stars have fully abandoned their Teslas, others are taking subtle steps.

Reports suggest that several Tesla owners are modifying their vehicles to hide the brand name and logo, fearing that association with Musk could invite vandalism or send the wrong message about their values.

Incidents of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and vehicles have been reported globally, spray painting, arson, and defacement being among the most common acts.

These acts, while condemned by many, underscore the intensity of public sentiment tied to Musk’s politics.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock has seen a dip, with analysts linking part of the downturn to consumer backlash over Musk’s increasing involvement in divisive political discourse.