Tesla ’s Global Sustainability Lead, Samantha Harris , has reportedly canceled her appearance at a high-profile sustainability conference in Rome, citing escalating protests and vandalism targeting the electric carmaker. The unrest, linked to CEO Elon Musk ’s vocal right-wing activism, has intensified in recent months, with Tesla facing backlash across Europe and beyond.
Harris was scheduled to speak at Regenerative Futures, a conference hosted by the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS) on May 16-17. In an email to EIIS, obtained by Reuters, Harris wrote, “Given the recent protests and violence against Tesla, including incidents in Rome, I’ve been advised to limit my external presence and travel. Regrettably, I won’t be able to attend.”
The decision follows a wave of attacks on Tesla’s infrastructure, including a devastating fire at a Rome dealership last month that destroyed 17 vehicles. Drone footage revealed charred remains of cars in a parking lot, with two rows of vehicles gutted and a third partially damaged. Musk, a polarizing figure and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, labeled the incident an act of “terrorism” on social media.
Tesla troubles go beyond protests
Tesla’s troubles extend beyond vandalism. The company’s sales have plummeted, and its share price has cratered, losing over 30% of its value in 2025 alone. Protests in Italy, Germany, and Sweden have targeted Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and offices, with activists citing Musk’s political activities, including his role in the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The initiative, aimed at slashing U.S. public spending, has drawn criticism for its aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk announced he would scale back his involvement with DOGE to focus on his businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp. “I need to prioritize the companies driving innovation and progress,” Musk posted on X, signaling a shift as Tesla grapples with mounting challenges.
What the organisers of the high-profile event said on Tesla exec pulling out
The EIIS expressed disappointment over Harris’s withdrawal but said it respected her decision. “We understand the complexities of the current climate and remain committed to fostering dialogue on sustainability,” an EIIS spokesperson said. The conference will proceed with other speakers, though organizers are bracing for potential protests.
Harris was scheduled to speak at Regenerative Futures, a conference hosted by the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS) on May 16-17. In an email to EIIS, obtained by Reuters, Harris wrote, “Given the recent protests and violence against Tesla, including incidents in Rome, I’ve been advised to limit my external presence and travel. Regrettably, I won’t be able to attend.”
The decision follows a wave of attacks on Tesla’s infrastructure, including a devastating fire at a Rome dealership last month that destroyed 17 vehicles. Drone footage revealed charred remains of cars in a parking lot, with two rows of vehicles gutted and a third partially damaged. Musk, a polarizing figure and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, labeled the incident an act of “terrorism” on social media.
Tesla troubles go beyond protests
Tesla’s troubles extend beyond vandalism. The company’s sales have plummeted, and its share price has cratered, losing over 30% of its value in 2025 alone. Protests in Italy, Germany, and Sweden have targeted Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and offices, with activists citing Musk’s political activities, including his role in the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The initiative, aimed at slashing U.S. public spending, has drawn criticism for its aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk announced he would scale back his involvement with DOGE to focus on his businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp. “I need to prioritize the companies driving innovation and progress,” Musk posted on X, signaling a shift as Tesla grapples with mounting challenges.
What the organisers of the high-profile event said on Tesla exec pulling out
The EIIS expressed disappointment over Harris’s withdrawal but said it respected her decision. “We understand the complexities of the current climate and remain committed to fostering dialogue on sustainability,” an EIIS spokesperson said. The conference will proceed with other speakers, though organizers are bracing for potential protests.
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