Singer Sheryl Crow has made headlines after she sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to National Public Radio (NPR) as a protest against Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of Twitter. Crow shared her feelings about the decision in a video posted on Instagram, where she joyfully waved goodbye to her vehicle as it was towed away.
In her Instagram post, Crow reflected on her decision, quoting her parents about the importance of choosing whom to align with. She stated, “My parents always said… you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla.” The irony of her farewell was underscored by her choice of music for the video: Andrea Bocelli’s “Con te partirò,” which translates to “I will leave with you,” adding a poignant touch to her departure from the brand.
Crow explained that her donation to NPR was motivated by her concerns over Musk’s influence, stating, “Money donated to @npr, which is under threat by President Musk, in hopes that the truth will continue to find its way to those willing to know the truth.” This action reflects her stance on the importance of supporting independent journalism amid perceived threats to its funding.
Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appointed by former President Donald Trump, responded to Crow’s protest on social media. He sarcastically acknowledged Crow’s actions, suggesting that it was a bold move for a celebrity to take a stand on such issues. Carr remarked, “I know celebrities are hesitant to weigh in on hot button issues, so I appreciate Sheryl Crow making an argument here — not through words alone, but through her actions — that Congress should not force taxpayers to subsidize NPR.” He further encouraged other celebrities to follow her example, implying that such actions could lead to a shift in funding dynamics for NPR.
The exchange on social media sparked further discussion, with some users questioning the notion that celebrities shy away from political commentary. Carr responded to one such inquiry, suggesting that the user had missed the point of his original comment.
Crow’s decision has reignited conversations about the intersection of celebrity influence, media funding, and political affiliations, highlighting how personal choices can resonate within broader societal debates.