A video circulating online showing singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow claiming to sell her Tesla in response to Elon Musk has sparked controversy and skepticism. In the clip, Crow expresses frustration with Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and states her intention to offload her electric vehicle, with some versions of the story suggesting she planned to donate the proceeds to NPR.
However, a closer examination of the video—highlighted by Fox News’ The Five co-host Judge Jeanine Pirro—reveals inconsistencies that cast doubt on its timing and authenticity.
The video, which has been shared widely across social media platforms, appears to show Crow standing outdoors as she discusses her decision. Posts on X from February 17, 2025, began questioning the clip’s legitimacy after Pirro addressed it on The Five. Pirro pointed out a critical detail: the background of the video shows trees with leaves in shades of orange and brown, some scattered on the ground—clear indicators of fall. “Notice the leaves on the trees and the ground,” Pirro remarked during the segment. “This video wasn’t shot in February. This was last fall, not now.”
This observation aligns with seasonal realities in Tennessee, where Crow resides. By mid-February, Tennessee winters typically feature bare trees and little to no foliage, contrasting sharply with the autumnal scene in the video. Pirro’s analysis suggests the footage is outdated, likely filmed months earlier—possibly around the November 2024 election period—rather than in response to any recent Musk-related controversy in early 2025.
Further scrutiny from X users supports this debunking. One post noted that Crow didn’t sell the Tesla to an individual buyer, as some claimed, but instead had it towed away by a diesel flatbed truck, undermining the narrative of a principled stand against Musk. Another user pointed out the lack of evidence tying the sale to any current event, suggesting the video was being repurposed to fit a fresh political narrative.
Crow’s stated motivation—displeasure with Elon Musk—has not been independently verified with a clear timeline. Musk, a polarizing figure known for his outspoken views and leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has faced criticism from various public figures over the years. However, no specific incident in early 2025 directly correlates with Crow’s supposed decision to sell her Tesla, further weakening the video’s relevance.
Fox News’ The Five, known for its lively debates, took a firm stance on the matter. Pirro, a former judge and prosecutor, framed the video as an example of “liberal fake BS,” arguing it was being recirculated to stoke outrage rather than reflect a genuine, timely reaction. Her co-hosts on the show echoed her skepticism, pointing to the video’s seasonal mismatch as evidence of manipulation.
While Crow has not publicly responded to the fact-checking as of February 18, 2025, the debunking raises questions about the video’s intent and origin. Was it a genuine statement from last fall, later exaggerated or misrepresented? Or was it deliberately re-released to capitalize on ongoing cultural tensions surrounding Musk? Without additional context from Crow herself, the full story remains unclear.
For now, the evidence—highlighted by Judge Jeanine Pirro and corroborated by keen-eyed observers—suggests the video is not what it seems. Shot in the fall and resurfacing in winter, Sheryl Crow’s Tesla tale appears to be more of a seasonal rerun than a breaking news scoop. Viewers are advised to approach such viral claims with caution, as timing, as Pirro demonstrated, can tell a different story
