Tesla’s mercurial big boy Elon Musk asked for it.
Vernon Unsworth, the British man who volunteered to help rescue Thai children trapped in a cave and was baselessly called “pedo guy” by Musk, has already sent Musk a letter threatening a libel suit.
Here's the full letter threatening libel suit against @elonmusk from attorney for Thai-rescue volunteer Vernon Unsworth, whom Elon baselessly called a "pedo guy" (as first noted by @RMac18) pic.twitter.com/0kWxyhNKkF
— Drew Harwell (@drewharwell) August 29, 2018
The later, dated Aug. 6, reveals that Unsworth lawyered up, even after Musk issued an “apology.” Musk did say sorry in July, blaming his “pedo” statement on “anger,” but this does not appear to have satisfied Unsworth.
Indeed, Musk expressed his “anger” to 22 million-plus Twitter followers about a story of great global interest.
Attorney L. Lin Wood said, “I have been retained by Vernon Unsworth to represent his interests in connection with the publication on your Twitter account of false and defamatory statements conveying that Mr. Unsworth is a pedophile.”
“I am in the process of preparing a civil complaint for libel against you,” Wood continued. “In an attempt to avoid litigation and to see the public record corrected, I invite you or your legal representatives to contact me.”
Our friends at Mediaite noted that Musk, as recently as Tuesday, was openly asking people why he hasn’t been sued.
You don’t think it’s strange he hasn’t sued me? He was offered free legal services. And you call yourself @yoda …
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 28, 2018
Did you investigate at all? I’m guessing answer is no. Why?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 28, 2018
BuzzFeed’s Ryan Mac wrote a story on Wednesday about the possibility of a lawsuit and says that Musk contacted him with some sweet reporting tips in response.
Elon Musk emailed me about my story. He didn't address anything about a potential lawsuit, but decided to insult my reporting. I verified my reporting in the story. Thanks @elonmusk for the comment!https://t.co/407qogkUcI pic.twitter.com/pw7VOltepi
— Ryan Mac (@RMac18) August 29, 2018
“Have you actually done any research at all?” Musk asked. “For example, you incorrectly state that he is a diver, which shows that you know essentially nothing and have not even bothered to research basic facts.”
In story, BuzzFeed cites a source close to Unsworth who confirmed that he has diving equipment and diving experience. This seems to indicate that Unsworth is a diver.
In any case, Unsworth has said “[I]t’s all being dealt with, that’s all I can say.”
[Image via Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images]
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