Get All Access for $5/mo

Tesla Removes Disney+ App As 'Temper Tantrum' Escalates Between Musk and Disney's CEO Is the move retaliation to Disney's decision to halt advertising on 'X'?

By Jonathan Small

Key Takeaways

  • Electrek reports that Tesla unexpectedly removed Disney+ from some of its vehicles.
  • Disney had previously stopped advertising on Musk's 'X' and some think this is retaliation.
  • Tesla drivers take to 'X' to complain

Tensions appear to be escalating in the feud between Elon Musk and Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Electric vehicle news website Electrek reports that Tesla has removed the Disney+ app from some of the vehicle's infotainment systems. Some Tesla owners have verified this story, leaving bewildered posts on social media about Disney+'s sudden disappearance.

"I can confirm that Disney+ has been removed from my Tesla Model S," tweeted Whole Mars Catalog.

"I am not feeling good about this decision. Shouldn't it be free will, if people decide to turn away from Disney?" wrote @enriquemoreno.

Related: Elon Musk Keeps Posting About Disney CEO Bob Iger on X, Says He 'Should Be Fired'

Musk vs. Iger

If true, the move comes in response to Disney pausing its advertising on Musk's social media platform 'X' after he appeared to endorse a contentious antisemitic theory online.

A furious Musk lashed out at Disney (and CEO Bob Iger) during an interview at the New York Times' Dealbook Summit, saying that he would not be blackmailed by corporate money.

"Go F$% yourself," he said at the time.

Now Tesla CEO Musk appears to be putting some bite behind his bark, limiting access to Disney+ for some Tesla drivers. According to Electrek, not all Tesla owners were affected by the blackout—only those who never used the app before.

Still, the feud has left some Tesla drivers quite testy.

For example, an X user named @teslahoe tweeted: "So Disney+ has now been removed from Tesla vehicles. I'm assuming this is in retaliation to Disney pulling advertising from X (which they have every right to do). So now I, as a mom, get to deal with telling my toddlers we can't watch Disney+ while in our Tesla and deal with their upset feelings because 2 grown men can't have a civil discussion and move on."

Related:

Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Staff

Founder, Strike Fire Productions

Jonathan Small is a bestselling author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, Entrepreneur, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and Entrepreneur and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. He is the former “Jake” advice columnist for Glamour magazine and the “Guy Guru” at Cosmo.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Process

How CEOs Can Take Control of Their Emails and Achieve Inbox Zero

Although there are many methodologies that leaders can use to manage their emails effectively, a consistent and thought-through process is the most effective way to systemize and respond to emails and is a step of stewardship for the effective leader.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.