Elon Musk Sparks Controversy with Second Drug Test Disclosure Misstep
Elon Musk Fires Back at Drug Use Claims but Risks Privacy with Social Security Number Leak
(Image: Musk holding drug test results, captioned: "Musk poses with negative test results to counter allegations.")
Elon Musk, 53, has vehemently denied allegations of illicit drug use by sharing two drug tests this week—a urine sample on Tuesday and a hair follicle test on Wednesday. Both showed no traces of substances like cocaine, ketamine, opioids, or marijuana. The move came after The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported concerns about Musk’s alleged drug habits and their impact on his health and businesses.
However, Musk’s attempt to clear his name backfired when Wednesday’s hair test post on X inadvertently revealed the last four digits of his Social Security Number (SSN). Security experts warn that even partial SSN details can aid identity theft if combined with other personal data. As of now, Musk hasn’t addressed the leak or removed the post, which has garnered over 17 million views.
The Science Behind the Tests
The hair test, which screens for drug use up to six months prior, detected none of 16 substances. Urine tests, by contrast, only identify recent use (1–7 days). While hair tests are more comprehensive, they may miss usage within the past week. Musk challenged reporters to take their own tests, claiming they’d “fail.”
(Image: Close-up of Musk’s hair test results showing the leaked SSN digits, captioned: "Musk’s privacy slip-up in posted lab report.")
Allegations and Responses
The controversy follows a NYT report claiming Musk’s ketamine use harmed his bladder and a WSJ investigation alleging he consumed LSD, cocaine, and psychedelics at exclusive parties where guests reportedly signed NDAs. Musk dismissed the claims, once joking, “Whatever I’m doing, I should obviously keep doing it!” He admitted to past prescription ketamine use for “dark mental holes” but denied recent intake.
(Image: Headlines from NYT and WSJ articles, captioned: "Outlets stand by reports despite Musk’s denials.")
Broader Implications
Executives at Tesla and SpaceX allegedly feared Musk’s behavior could jeopardize federal contracts, with some feeling pressured to partake in drug use. Neither Musk nor his companies have sued the publications for defamation. A NYT spokesperson defended their reporting, stating Musk’s tests “don’t contradict” their findings.
Musk’s rapid-fire rebukes—including a sarcastic “lol” alongside his urine test—highlight his combative PR style. Yet the SSN blunder underscores the risks of his impulsive social media approach. As the saga unfolds, the focus shifts to whether Musk’s transparency will backfire further or silence critics.
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