Bold claim: A decoy Tesla pulled off a high-stakes press stunt to shield Elon Musk from photographers as he headed into a San Francisco courthouse. But here's where it gets controversial: did a clever distraction really happen, or was it a carefully staged moment designed to control the narrative? The moment unfolded as reporters waited outside the federal courthouse for Musk’s testimony in a Twitter-era securities dispute tied to his 2022 Twitter acquisition. The photographers say a Model S, accompanied by security, rolled up and drew their attention to a vehicle surrounded by guards. While a crowd gathered around the car, an SUV parked nearby drove up to the courthouse door, and Musk and his security team sprinted inside, apparently avoiding the press surge.
Witnesses on the scene described the scene in real time. One Bloomberg News photographer, David Morris, insisted it was a deliberate decoy: “100% a decoy. 100%,” he said, praising the payload of the maneuver as “very well done.” The press group, anticipating Musk’s appearance, focused on the Tesla, only to be sidetracked as the SUV blocked the entrance and Musk proceeded into the building. A Getty Images photographer, Josh Edelson, noted that Musk didn’t give the reporters much to work with, keeping his gaze away and presenting a fleeting profile shot rather than a direct confrontational moment.
Video evidence of the moment circulated online, captured by NBC correspondent Scott Budman, who posted footage showing the decoy vehicle and the ensuing scramble as Musk entered. Afterward, the decoy car reportedly left the scene, with no one else stepping out.
The legal backdrop: Musk was summoned to testify in a civil case brought by former Twitter shareholders. They allege he violated securities laws in 2022 by influencing Twitter’s stock price prior to its acquisition and renaming the platform. Musk has maintained that his communications related to Twitter complied with applicable laws.
Reaction from the parties involved was not immediately available, as representatives for Musk did not respond to requests for comment.
Looking ahead, photographers intending to cover Musk’s departure from the courthouse may get another chance to capture him in the exit narrative, with Bloomberg likely to station photographers at each exit to maximize coverage.
Controversial takeaway: the use of a decoy vehicle raises questions about press strategy, transparency, and how public figures manage visibility during high-stakes legal proceedings. Do you think decoys are a fair tool for safeguarding a high-profile witness, or do they undermine journalistic access and public accountability? Share your thoughts in the comments.
