Jimmy Kimmel accused of 'encouraging violence' as he jokes about vandalism against Elon Musk's Tesla

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel found himself embroiled in controversy after delivering a sarcastic remark about the ongoing vandalism of Tesla vehicles on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Tuesday, March 18. 

The joke ignited outrage among MAGA supporters, with many accusing the comedian of encouraging violence against the Elon Musk-led electric vehicle giant.

Jimmy Kimmel's Tesla vandalism comment sparks outrage

During the segment, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the ongoing wave of vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships across the country.

Looking directly into the camera, he quipped, "Please don’t vandalize. Don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles."

Kimmel's pause and sarcastic tone drew laughter from his audience, but not from everyone.

MAGA supporters quickly seized on the clip, claiming it was an endorsement of violence.

One fumed, "Rooting for failure of a great American company and the wink wink encouragement of domestic terrorism is a new low. Disgusting," and another criticized the comedian directly, stating, "I’ll never forget that @jimmykimmel encouraged violence against Tesla."

A person remarked, "Jimmy Kimmel is inciting domestic terrorism. I think all Tesla owners who have their property damaged in the future, should sue Kimmel into OBLIVION," whereas someone else declared, "This is ridiculous. Kimmel should be fired immediately."

"Flat out encouraging more arson etc," another person claimed, while one more echoed, "That's incitement, charge him."

"I didn’t think I could think any lower of Kimmel, but he keeps proving me wrong," one comment read.

Musk himself weighed in, expressing his displeasure with Kimmel’s remark. "What a jerk," the Tesla CEO commented in response to the clip.

Rise in attacks targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles

The surge in vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles reportedly began shortly after Elon Musk assumed a prominent role in President Donald Trump's administration, specifically leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with the mandate to reduce government spending, which has led to significant job cuts. 

The company’s stock has plummeted by 40% since January, a point Kimmel also referenced during his segment.

The incidents of vandalism have included Molotov cocktail attacks, arson, graffiti, and shootings, with perpetrators often expressing anti-Trump and anti-Musk sentiments.

These acts have been reported across the US, particularly in progressive areas like Seattle and Portland.

Tesla’s recent struggles go beyond property damage. Tesla owners in the US and abroad have begun selling their vehicles in protest.

In response to these attacks, Trump has labeled the vandals as "domestic terrorists," emphasizing the severity of their actions against a major American company.

He stated that harming such a company, which provides numerous jobs, would lead to significant consequences for those responsible, as per The Washington Times.

"You do it to Tesla and you do it to any company, we're going to catch you and you're going to go through hell," Trump said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this stance, condemning the acts as domestic terrorism and vowing to impose severe consequences on the perpetrators, as per People.

Elon Musk claims people are targeting him and Tesla as they're stopping their fraud

Elon Musk, however, has his own theory about the turmoil.

Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Tuesday, the tech billionaire claimed he was the victim of a targeted conspiracy.

"They basically want to kill me because I’m stopping their fraud, and they want to hurt Tesla because we’re stopping this terrible waste and corruption in the government. And, well, I guess they’re bad people. Bad people do bad things," he shared. 

Adding to the spectacle, Trump recently attempted to boost Tesla’s image with an unusual stunt.

In what appeared to be a symbolic gesture of support for Musk, the president turned the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom, a move that left many scratching their heads.

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