Two activist groups in Germany say they projected Elon Musk’s controversial salute and phrases like “Heil Tesla” and “Boycott Tesla” onto the front of Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin.
However, authorities have cast doubt on the activists’ claims, calling the images into question.
The Activists’ Claims
The groups, Center for Political Beauty and Led by Donkeys, shared images on social media showing the projections on Giga Berlin’s facade.
The display reportedly included Elon Musk’s salute and the phrases “Heil Tesla” and “Boycott Tesla” next to the factory’s illuminated Tesla logo.
In a social media post, Led by Donkeys – which previously projected an anti-Tesla video at Tesla’s Amsterdam location, shared a video of the alleged protest.
The video accused Musk of supporting far-right ideologies and white supremacists.
A spokesperson from the Center for Political Beauty claimed the images were taken around 8 p.m. and that a drone was used to capture the projection.
Authorities Push Back
While the activists’ images made waves online, authorities initially questioned their authenticity.
In a statement to German publication Tagesspiegel, police said they found no evidence of the incident after consulting with Tesla’s security team, calling the photos “fake.”
However, by Thursday, the Eastern Police Directorate confirmed an investigation was underway.
A spokesperson stated that the projection and its distribution online could constitute the use of symbols tied to unconstitutional organizations, based on an assessment by the Frankfurt (Oder) Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Activists Stand Their Ground
In response to the skepticism, the activists insisted the incident did occur.
“They know very well that this happened. Tesla has enough surveillance cameras on the factory premises to find out,”
a spokesperson said.
Tagesspiegel later obtained additional images of the alleged projection from a different angle, showing a loudspeaker box that the activists reportedly used to broadcast anti-Tesla audio.