History of TSLAQ in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

TSLAQ is a decentralized collective of short-sellers, skeptics, and researchers critical of Tesla and Elon Musk. Originating around July 2018 following the doxxing of a Tesla short-seller known as Montana Skeptic, the group uses social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to share analysis, opinions, and coordinate efforts against the company. Members, many of whom are anonymous, utilize the $TSLAQ cashtag to disseminate their views and findings.

2012: Musk States Tesla Doesn't Need Funding

In 2012, Elon Musk stated that Tesla would not need further funding. TSLAQ argues that since this statement, Tesla has had significant negative cash flow and has raised billions in debt and equity.

October 2016: Elon Musk Reveals "Solar Roof" Shingle

In October 2016, Elon Musk revealed a "solar roof" shingle that was later discovered to be fake, as speculated by TESLAcharts. This event became a major point of discussion for TSLAQ members.

July 2018: Doxxing of Montana Skeptic

In July 2018, Lawrence Fossi, a Tesla short seller known as Montana Skeptic on Twitter and a writer for Seeking Alpha, was doxxed. This event is seen as the catalyst for the formation of TSLAQ, a collective of Tesla critics.

April 2019: Tesla Files Lawsuit Against Randeep Hothi

In April 2019, Tesla filed a lawsuit and requested a restraining order against TSLAQ member Randeep Hothi, also known as skabooshka.

2019: Publication of 'Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors'

In 2019, Edward Niedermeyer's book, "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors", was published. The book pinpoints the doxxing of Montana Skeptic in July 2018 as the event that led to the creation of TSLAQ.

2019: California Judge Rules Tesla Violated Labor Laws

In 2019, a California judge ruled that Tesla violated labor laws by unfairly disciplining employees involved in pro-union activities. TSLAQ highlighted this ruling, and its members, like Paul91701736, noted Tesla's failure to meet production projections.

2019: TSLAQ's goals and activities

In 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported that TSLAQ members believed Tesla was fraudulent and its stock would crash. TSLAQ aimed to change the minds of Tesla stock bulls and the media, exchanging research, news, and conspiracy theories, and profiting from betting against Tesla's success.

August 2020: Hothi Sues Musk for Defamation

In August 2020, Randeep Hothi sued Elon Musk for defamation after Musk accused Hothi in an email of almost killing Tesla employees.

December 2020: Tesla Most Shorted Stock

In December 2020, Tesla was the most shorted stock in the U.S., with over US$34.5 billion in shorted share value.

January 2021: Judge Rejects Musk's Motion to Strike Hothi Lawsuit

In January 2021, the presiding judge rejected Elon Musk's motion to strike Randeep Hothi's defamation lawsuit, allowing the trial to proceed.

January 2022: Musk's Appeal Denied in Hothi Defamation Case

In January 2022, Elon Musk's appeal to strike the lawsuit under anti-SLAPP laws was denied in the defamation case brought by Randeep Hothi.

2022: Tesla Wins SolarCity Fraud Case

In 2022, Tesla won the SolarCity fraud case, an event connected to alleged fraud and insider-dealing related to Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity in 2016. This lawsuit was a major organizing point for TSLAQ members.