Elon Musk admits he uses his sense of humour to get free press for Tesla

The Tesla CEO testified under oath during a trial over the electric carmaker’s controversial 2016 acquisition of Solar City

Musk is known for his frequent use of social media, most recently tweeting praise for China’s economic development and infrastructure

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Elon Musk is known for his online personality and frequent use of social media. Photo: AP

Published: 10:35am, 13 Jul 2021Updated: 2:44am, 14 Jul 2022

Elon Musk swears that he is funny.

The Tesla chief executive officer, testifying under oath on Monday at a trial over the electric carmaker’s controversial 2016 acquisition of SolarCity, said he leans into his sense of humour to generate free publicity for the company. He cited his proclaiming himself “Technoking” earlier this year as an example.

“If we are entertaining people, they would write stories about us and we do not have to spend on advertising which would reduce the price of our cars,” Musk said Monday.

“I do have a sense of humour,” Musk added. “I think I’m funny.”

Some who watched his May 8 turn as host of “Saturday Night Live” may disagree. Musk got decidedly mixed reviews for the gig, which included his last appearance on the witness box – as video-game character Wario facing trial for the murder of Mario of Mario Brothers fame.

Saturday Night Live host Elon Musk with his mother Maye during the monologue on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Photo: Handout