SpaceX fires workers behind letter criticising Elon Musk’s behaviour

The open letter called the rocket-launch firm CEO’s behaviour and tweets ‘a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us’

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said in an internal memo that the company investigated the document and has terminated employees involved

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 10:15am, 18 Jun 2022

SpaceX has fired “a number of employees” responsible for an open letter critical of the behaviour of Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, according to an internal memo, an unusual clash hinting at growing discord over the billionaire’s controversial comments.

The open letter called Musk’s behaviour and tweets “a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks.” The document, which began circulating among staff in recent days, called on SpaceX leadership to condemn and distance itself from Musk’s “personal brand.”

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said in the memo, which was seen by Bloomberg, that the company investigated the open letter and has terminated employees involved.

The situation “made employees feel uncomfortable, intimidated and bullied, and/or angry because the letter pressured them to sign onto something that did not reflect their views,” Shotwell said in the email. “We have too much critical work to accomplish and no need for this kind of overreaching activism.”

SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The firings were reported earlier by The New York Times. A separate report from Reuters said at least five workers were fired.