Elon Musk Sued By Caver For Defamation

A caver who was accused by Elon Musk of being a pedophile has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Tesla CEO on Monday, adding to the billionaire's recent slew of troubles.

"Elon Musk falsely accused Vern Unsworth of being guilty of heinous crimes," Unsworth's attorney L. Lin Wood said in a statement. "Musk's influence and wealth cannot convert his lies into truth or protect him from accountability for his wrongdoing in a court of law."

Unsworth was part of the team that helped rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last July. After the story made international headlines, Musk offered to help by building a miniature submarine that could assist with the rescue. When Unsworth was asked by the BBC what he thought about Musk's plan, the caver said the sub wouldn't "have made the first 50 meters into the cave," and was "just a PR stunt."

Musk was offended by Unsworth's comments, and took to Twitter writing that his team would make a video of the mini-submarine making it through the flooded cave, writing, "Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it."

The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. 

Musk and Tesla did not return requests for comment on the lawsuit. 

It's the latest blow to Musk, following the recent departure of two senior executives from Tesla and a recent interview with comedian Joe Rogan in which the Tesla CEO could be seen smoking marijuana and wielding a samurai sword. 

Photo: Getty Images


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