New York, September 22, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly criticized venture capitalist Vinod Khosla for restricting access to a public beach near his home. Musk’s comments came after Khosla previously mocked Musk’s views on climate change during a discussion with former President Donald Trump. In August, Khosla called Musk’s thoughts on CO2 levels “dumb.”
Musk took to social media to express his frustration, sharing a photo of a sign that allegedly reads “no plebs allowed” on the beach. In his post, Musk wrote, “Wow, so crazy that @vkhosla put this sign on a public beach.”
In a series of follow-up comments, Musk accused Khosla of hypocrisy, pointing out that while Khosla allegedly advocates for sending unvetted migrants to small towns across America, he restricts public access to a beach near his property. “He didn’t even want to let the public walk on his beach,” Musk remarked.
Musk then humorously suggested hosting a party on Khosla’s beach, complete with BBQ cuisine.
Vinod Khosla’s Beach Access Legal Battle
Khosla, who purchased the beachfront property in 2008 for $32.5 million, has long been involved in a legal dispute over public access to the beach. Shortly after acquiring the property, Khosla installed a gate on the road leading to the beach, arguing through his legal team that the gate was lawful because he owned the surrounding land.
However, many disagree with Khosla’s actions, arguing that the beach should remain accessible to the public. The case reached the US Supreme Court in 2018, but the justices declined to hear Khosla’s appeal, leaving a lower court ruling in favor of public access intact. This decision was seen as a victory for the Surfrider Foundation, a California-based organization dedicated to beach and ocean conservation.
Additionally, Khosla is facing opposition from the California State Lands Commission, which has been challenging his efforts to close off the beach.
Controversy and Clash Continue
Musk’s public remarks have reignited attention around Khosla’s long-standing battle over beach access, with many debating property rights versus public access to natural resources. As the controversy continues, the clash between these two high-profile figures has drawn widespread public interest.
FAQs About the Elon Musk and Vinod Khosla Beach Controversy
1. Why did Elon Musk criticize Vinod Khosla?
Elon Musk criticized Vinod Khosla for allegedly blocking public access to a beach near his home, despite Khosla’s advocacy on other public issues. Musk shared a picture of a sign that read “no plebs allowed” and accused Khosla of hypocrisy.
2. What is the legal battle between Vinod Khosla and the public about?
Vinod Khosla bought a beachfront property in 2008 and installed a gate that restricted access to a public beach. His legal team argued that the gate was lawful, but the case was challenged by the Surfrider Foundation and the California State Lands Commission. In 2018, the US Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling in favor of public access.
3. What did Elon Musk say about Vinod Khosla’s beach?
Musk mocked Khosla’s decision to block public access to the beach, calling it “crazy” and sarcastically suggesting that he might throw a BBQ party on Khosla’s beach.
4. What is the Surfrider Foundation’s role in this controversy?
The Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to beach and ocean conservation, won a legal victory in the battle for public access to the beach near Khosla’s property. The foundation opposes Khosla’s efforts to block access.
5. How did the legal dispute between Khosla and the public reach the Supreme Court?
After a lower court ruled against Khosla’s efforts to block public access to the beach, he appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court in 2018. However, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the lower court’s decision intact.
