Elon Musk Reacts With 3-Word ‘Karma’ Remark to Post Linking Bill Gates, Tesla and Epstein

US, Feb 26 : Elon Musk has stirred fresh debate online after posting a terse “Karma is real” reply to a social media post referencing Bill Gates, Tesla and Jeffrey Epstein.

The original post, shared by a user on X, cited a New York Times report claiming that Gates apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation over his past association with Epstein and acknowledged alleged affairs. The user linked the controversy to Gates’ long-standing short position against Tesla, adding that Tesla short sellers “don’t have the best moral compass.” Musk responded with a brief three-word comment that quickly went viral.

The exchange revived discussion about the strained ties between the Tesla chief and the Microsoft co-founder. Their public disagreement dates back to reports that Gates had taken an estimated $500 million short position against Tesla effectively betting that the electric vehicle maker’s stock would fall.

In previous interviews, Gates confirmed that Musk had directly confronted him about the investment. According to Gates, Musk questioned the short bet and declined a proposed philanthropic collaboration focused on climate change. Musk later remarked that he could not take Gates’ climate advocacy seriously while he maintained a significant wager against Tesla.

Over the years, Musk has repeatedly referenced the short position in public statements. In late 2024, he warned that if Tesla were to become the world’s most valuable company, such a bet could prove financially damaging. Following his record-breaking compensation package last year, Musk again urged Gates to close out what he described as a “crazy short position.”

The latest comment has once again placed the spotlight on the ongoing rivalry between two of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, fuelling online debate about corporate ethics, investing strategies and personal accountability.