Tesla reportedly laid off the president of the LGBTQ+ community and a diversity volunteer leader Monday just one month after CEO Elon Musk warned of the “woke mind virus.”
The company let go of the LGBTQ+ volunteer president Bobby Berretta-Paris who worked at the company for five years, sources told Electrek. This follows a series of layoffs by the company, including a software engineer and four-year veteran involved in the diversity program last week, who had previously been promoted three times, according to the outlet.
In a May 19 tweet, Musk warned of the “woke mind virus” destroying civilization after claiming he would be politically attacked in coming months.
“Just curious…what is your motivation to become politically active?” social media user the Angry Astronaut asked. “Why make yourself a target? You are trying to get mankind to Mars and alert the public to the danger of Al. Why sabotage these worthwhile goals by wading into political controversy? Is it worth it?” (RELATED: ‘I Welcome Support From African Americans’: DeSantis Responds To Hint From Elon Musk About 2024)
“Unless it is stopped, the woke mind virus will destroy civilization and humanity will never reached (sic) Mars,” Musk replied.
Unless it is stopped, the woke mind virus will destroy civilization and humanity will never reached Mars
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 19, 2022
Musk has become increasingly critical of the Democratic Party and liberals after making a $43.4 billion deal to purchase Twitter in April. He called Democrats the “party of division and hate” and accused them of being controlled by unions and trial lawyers.
“In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party,” Musk said. “But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican. Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold.”
In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party.
But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.
Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold … 🍿
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2022
The tech billionaire voted Republican for the first time casting his ballot for Republican Texas Representative-elect Mayra Flores in Tuesday’s special election and hinted his support for Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
Musk reportedly also ordered all Tesla employees to spend a minimum of 40 hours a week in the office or depart the company if they wish to work remotely, arguing that senior managers being present at the office is essential to the company’s success.