"Honk If You Hate Elon": Who is leading the anti-Elon Musk protests against Tesla in London

Recent weeks have seen an uptick in protests across the United Kingdom against Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Groups such as "Tesla Takedown UK" and "Everybody Hates Elon" have been actively campaigning against Musk, citing his alleged political affiliations and influence as a major concern. Protesters argue that Musk's involvement in global politics threatens democracy and the climate. These demonstrations follow similar movements in the United States, where anti-Tesla campaigns have been more widespread. The UK protests include calls for Tesla boycotts, the removal of Tesla vehicles, and public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging consumers from supporting the company.

The protests in the UK have drawn inspiration from the American movement "Tesla Takedown," which emerged in response to Musk's perceived political leanings. John Gorenfeld, a software engineer, initiated the UK movement after being inspired by US-based protests he observed on Bluesky, a social media platform. In an interview, Gorenfeld mentioned that many activists were initially passive but felt the need to take action as Musk's influence continued to grow in Europe.
Similar groups such as "Everybody Hates Elon" and "Overthrow Musk" have also emerged, focusing on public campaigns that criticize Musk and his company. Posters, billboards, and guerrilla marketing tactics have been employed to spread their message, particularly in London. These groups claim that Tesla’s market success directly contributes to Musk’s financial and political power, making it crucial to disrupt the company's business.

The demonstrations have taken various forms, including:

These efforts are aimed at reducing Tesla’s sales in the UK, a country that accounts for a smaller but still significant portion of the company's global market.

Elon Musk has dismissed the protests, labeling them as politically motivated and accusing his opponents of being funded by figures such as George Soros and Reid Hoffman. He has also taken to social media to refute claims made by protesters, often responding with sarcasm.
Musk has faced increased scrutiny for his perceived political influence, particularly in Europe. His endorsement of right-wing political parties, including Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), has sparked controversy. Additionally, his involvement in the US political landscape, including support for Donald Trump, has led to accusations that he is using his wealth to shape global policies.
In response to the protests, Elon Musk has denied allegations of authoritarian sympathies, stating that criticisms against him are exaggerated. He has also defended Tesla, emphasizing the company’s contributions to the green energy sector.

Despite the protests, Tesla remains a dominant player in the electric vehicle market. According to reports, in February 2025 alone, nearly 4,000 Tesla cars were sold in the UK. However, Tesla’s stock has seen significant fluctuations, dropping by 45% since its peak valuation of $1.5 trillion in December 2023. Analysts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including political uncertainty, market saturation, and consumer backlash.
As per reports, the UK protests are unlikely to cause immediate financial harm to Tesla, given that the country represents only 4.6% of the company’s market share. However, sustained protests and negative publicity could contribute to a decline in consumer trust, potentially affecting long-term sales and investment confidence.