Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is responding to alarming allegations of sexual misconduct aboard a private jet in 2016.
A former flight attendant, contracted by SpaceX, who worked aboard the plane allegedly told a friend shortly after the incident that Musk had exposed himself and engaged in unwanted touching. The incident reportedly happened while she was giving the billionaire a massage in a private cabin.
Business Insider obtained interviews and documents that said that SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim. The Insider also said that he offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage, according to the Insider.
The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.
SpaceX didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately-owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.
Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.
The attacks against me should be viewed through a political lens – this is their standard (despicable) playbook – but nothing will deter me from fighting for a good future and your right to free speech
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2022