Actor John Cusack is not holding back when it comes to his feelings about billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. In a recent appearance on the controversial “Tesla Takedown” activist call, Cusack delivered a fiery tirade against Musk, accusing him of criminal behavior, moral decay, and even claiming that he is “literally killing people.”
Let’s break down what happened, why Cusack is fuming, and what this growing feud says about Musk’s standing in Hollywood and beyond.
Cusack’s Blistering Accusations
During the livestreamed protest call, Cusack called Musk a “pathological liar,” a “sociopath,” and a “ghoul.” He accused Musk of leveraging his child for public sympathy and manipulating government influence to benefit his companies.
“He’s not just some eccentric billionaire. He’s dangerous. He’s literally killing people,” Cusack said.
He also took aim at Musk's handling of social media platforms and misinformation, hinting that Musk’s behavior has real-world consequences—especially on vulnerable populations and public health.
Taking the Fight to X (Formerly Twitter)
Cusack didn’t stop there. He went off on X (Twitter), the platform Musk now owns, mocking Musk’s public statements and drawing bizarre parallels.
"His 'search' for waste, fraud, and abuse is like O.J. looking for the real killer," Cusack posted on X, implying Musk’s crusades are hypocritical or performative.
That post quickly went viral, drawing both applause and outrage in the replies.
Alex Winter Joins the Backlash
Cusack isn’t the only one swinging at Musk. Alex Winter—best known for his role in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure—also chimed in during the “Tesla Takedown” event, citing Musk’s alleged use of a Nazi salute at a public event (an unconfirmed claim that's being widely circulated in activist circles).
Winter said Musk is on an “all-out assault on our government” and that Tesla’s brand has been “permanently tarnished.”
The Tesla Takedown Movement
Both actors are now linked to the “Tesla Takedown” campaign—a loosely organized protest movement targeting Musk and his companies. While the group brands itself as a “peaceful protest collective,” recent incidents involving vandalism of Tesla properties have raised eyebrows and drawn condemnation.
What Does This All Mean?
Love him or hate him, Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy. But the fact that actors like Cusack and Winter are going so hard, so publicly, suggests that Musk's influence—and his image—are reaching a boiling point in pop culture.
With growing concerns around AI ethics, labor practices, free speech, and billionaire power, Musk has become more than a business figure—he’s a symbol. And for critics like Cusack, he’s a warning sign.
This isn’t your typical Hollywood beef. It’s a full-on public reckoning between a tech empire and a growing chorus of critics. Whether Cusack’s words spark real change or just trend for a few hours, one thing’s clear:
Elon Musk is living rent-free in the minds of more than just the tech world—and the backlash is only getting louder.