Elon Musk’s behavior towards women at SpaceX has raised concerns among former employees and executives. A recent Wall Street Journal article sheds light on Musk’s interactions with female employees, highlighting instances of alleged misconduct and inappropriate relationships.
One notable case involves a former SpaceX intern who later became an employee. According to the Wall Street Journal, she engaged in a relationship with Musk that began during her internship. Despite the significant age gap between them, Musk reportedly continued to pursue her even after she started working full-time. He invited her to his home and maintained frequent communication through text messages, which she found distracting and troubling for her job.
The woman eventually distanced herself from Musk professionally, moving away from his direct team. Although she signed affidavits acknowledging a past relationship with Musk, she clarified that she did not consider his behavior predatory or wrongful.
However, she is not the only woman to have experienced uncomfortable interactions with Musk at SpaceX. Another female employee alleged that Musk exposed himself to her in 2016 and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for sexual acts. A former employee from 2013 claimed Musk asked her to bear his children during her exit negotiations.
These allegations have prompted complaints to the National Labor Relations Board, accusing a group around Musk of fostering a culture of sexism and failing to enforce company rules consistently.
Despite these claims, SpaceX executives have vehemently denied any wrongdoing on Musk’s part. Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president and COO, refuted the allegations, stating that they do not reflect the company’s values or culture. She emphasized that SpaceX takes all harassment complaints seriously and investigates them thoroughly.
The Wall Street Journal article paints a complex picture of Musk’s leadership style and personal conduct at SpaceX, revealing tensions between admiration for his innovative vision and concerns about his interpersonal behavior. The company’s stance remains firm on addressing workplace issues while continuing its mission in aerospace technology.
For more details on this story, readers are encouraged to visit the Wall Street Journal’s comprehensive coverage. The article provides a deeper insight into Musk’s controversial behavior, including his interactions with female employees and the broader implications for SpaceX’s workplace environment.
