Wall Street Journal Unveils Allegations Against SpaceX CEO
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has been accused of pursuing women working at the company for sex, including a former intern, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The allegations are based on affidavits signed by one of the women and corroborated by other interviews.
Culture of Harassment at SpaceX
Former SpaceX executives revealed to the Journal that company policies are not enforced with Musk, which they believe contributes to a culture of sexism and harassment. In contrast, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell disputed this view, stating that the company thoroughly investigates all harassment complaints and takes appropriate actions.
Previous Allegations and Legal Filings
Neither Elon Musk nor SpaceX responded to requests for comment from Bloomberg regarding the allegations. These claims are not the first of their kind; allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation at SpaceX have surfaced in previous legal filings, including California civil rights complaints earlier this year.
Detailed Allegations
One notable case from 2013 involved a woman who reported directly to Musk. She left SpaceX after alleging that Musk asked her to have his babies, a request she declined. This led to a deteriorating relationship, as reported by the Journal. Another case in 2014 involved a woman who had a sexual relationship with Musk while she reported to him. When the relationship ended poorly, she faced recriminations and eventually left the company, signing an agreement prohibiting her from discussing her work with Musk.
SpaceX President’s Response
President Gwynne Shotwell maintained that SpaceX addresses all harassment complaints seriously. She emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace environment.