Elon Musk, the world’s third richest person, was reportedly met with fierce booing when he took his seat at a Dave Chappelle stand-up comedy show on Sunday.
The trouble began when Chappelle introduced him from the stage as a “special guest,” which drew loud jeers from the audience in attendance at the Largo at the Coronet Theater in Los Angeles.
“I don’t know if I should even say this,” Chappelle joked afterward, “but looking back now, I don’t think I should have just surprise-announced his name like that.”
Chappelle went on to compare Musk’s presence to “having a family reunion” at which someone kept “pulling out the receipts.” At this, the crowd laughed and Musk laughed too, but the booing did not stop.
The scene was truly remarkable considering Musk’s vast wealth, high-profile investments in space exploration, electric cars and other ground-breaking ventures that have revolutionized the tech industry and made him one of the world’s most admired and celebrated entrepreneurs.
It is unclear why the crowd reacted so strongly when Musk stepped out onto the stage, but some believe it is related to the tech mogul’s recent controversial statements on the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, Musk questioned the seriousness of the virus and criticized government health protocols, which have been roundly condemned by many public health experts.
Whatever the reason for the crowd’s reaction, it must have been an awkward moment for Musk. But to his credit, he took it in stride, albeit with a slight uncomfortable smile, and seemed to enjoy the show as it continued.
