German rapper Kool Savas has responded to criticism following his surprise performance at Tesla's Grünheide Gigafactory event on December 2, denying he was instrumentalized by the company and reaffirming support for workers and unions amid fan outrage and ticket cancellations.
Kool Savas (real name Savaş Yurderi) performed at Tesla's December 2 'Giga-Event' / Christmas party for thousands of Grünheide Gigafactory employees, arriving on stage in a Cybertruck. His set included chants of 'Elon, Elon' and adapted lyrics praising Tesla, but the crowd response was muted, prompting quips from the rapper about their enthusiasm.
Factory manager André Thierig followed with praise for the event and a 4% wage increase announcement, criticizing the IG Metall union by claiming it would have negotiated only 2%. The event, amid ongoing labor tensions and an upcoming works council vote, drew accusations of anti-union messaging (as detailed in prior coverage).
The performance sparked sharp backlash from fans, who accused Savas of being co-opted by Tesla and led to widespread concert ticket cancellations. In an Instagram story, Savas clarified: 'I went to Grünheide to surprise the Tesla workers and perform for them—not to be instrumentalized.' He stated he was unaware of Thierig's subsequent remarks and emphasized, 'I stand with the workers. I stand with the unions.' Reflecting on the gig's potential political charge, he rejected misrepresentations of his views.
