Tesla owners who were enjoying watching Disney+ shows on their car screens are in for a rude shock. The electric vehicle maker has reportedly removed the streaming app from its vehicles amid a bitter feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
The conflict between the two CEOs started when Disney decided to stop advertising on X, a social media platform owned by Musk. X is known for its controversial stance on free speech and has been accused of hosting hate speech, misinformation, and extremist content.
Disney claimed that it did not want to associate its brand with X’s content and values, and that it was concerned about the impact of X’s platform on democracy and society. Disney also cited a specific incident where Musk had defended an anti-Semitic post on X, saying that it was a joke and that people should not be censored for their opinions.
Musk, however, did not take kindly to Disney’s move and accused Iger of blackmailing him and trying to stifle his freedom of expression. He also claimed that Disney was hypocritical and had its own share of scandals and controversies, such as the sexual harassment allegations against former Pixar chief John Lasseter and the exploitation of workers in its theme parks.
Musk then escalated the conflict by telling Iger to “go f*** yourself” in a public interview at The New York Times Dealbook Summit on November 29, 2023. He also said that he did not care about Disney’s business and that he would rather watch Netflix or YouTube on his Tesla.
How did Tesla owners react?
Tesla owners who had subscribed to Disney+ were shocked and disappointed to find out that the app had disappeared from their car screens over the weekend. Many of them took to social media to express their frustration and confusion, and to ask Tesla for an explanation.
Some of them said that they had paid for the Disney+ subscription and that they should have the right to watch whatever they wanted on their own devices. They also said that they did not support Musk’s views on X and that they did not want to be dragged into his personal feud with Iger.
Others, however, sided with Musk and said that they supported his stance on free speech and that they did not like Disney’s content anyway. They also said that they preferred other streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, and that they did not mind losing Disney+.
What are the implications of the feud?
The feud between Musk and Iger has raised some important questions about the relationship between tech and entertainment companies, and how their conflicts can affect consumers and society.
On one hand, some analysts argue that Disney’s decision to pull its ads from X was a smart move, as it protected its reputation and values, and sent a clear message to X and its users that hate speech and misinformation are not acceptable. They also argue that Disney has the right to choose where to advertise and what platforms to partner with, and that it does not owe anything to Musk or Tesla.
On the other hand, some critics argue that Musk’s decision to remove the Disney+ app from Tesla was a petty and spiteful move, as it punished Tesla owners who had nothing to do with the feud and who had paid for the service. They also argue that Musk’s support of X and his attack on Iger were irresponsible and dangerous, as they undermined the credibility and authority of mainstream media and institutions, and encouraged extremism and polarization.
The feud also highlights the power and influence of tech and entertainment giants, and how their actions can have ripple effects on the market and the public. For instance, the feud could affect the stock prices and revenues of both Tesla and Disney, as well as their competitors and partners. It could also affect the preferences and behaviors of consumers, as well as their trust and loyalty to the brands.
What is the future of the feud?
It is unclear whether the feud between Musk and Iger will end anytime soon, or whether it will escalate further. Both CEOs are known for their strong personalities and opinions, and neither of them seems willing to back down or apologize.
However, some experts suggest that there could be a possibility of a resolution, if both parties are willing to communicate and compromise. They also suggest that there could be a role for mediators, such as other tech or entertainment leaders, or even government officials, to intervene and facilitate a dialogue.
In the meantime, Tesla owners who want to watch Disney+ shows on their car screens will have to find other ways, such as using their smartphones or tablets, or switching to other streaming services. Alternatively, they could also enjoy the other features and functions that Tesla offers, such as the navigation system, the music player, or the games.