4 Minutes
Rapper’s Viral Stunt: What Really Happened
An American rapper known as Big Huey went viral after posting a video that purported to show his Tesla Cybertruck stranded on the side of a highway with an alarming red-and-white message on the infotainment screen: "Tesla Cybertruck De-Activated". The clip claimed the electric pickup had been remotely disabled and that a notice ordered him to "Comply with cease & desist to re-activate." The post quickly attracted attention, earning more than 112,000 likes and sparking debate about vehicle cybersecurity and manufacturer control over EVs.
Tesla’s Response and Evidence the Clip Was Fake
Tesla responded on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, confirming the footage was staged and reiterating that the company "does NOT disable vehicles remotely." The purported cease-and-desist letter posted by Big Huey also contained errors: it used an outdated job title for Dinna Eskin, who is now Tesla's VP of Legal, which helped expose the stunt. Additionally, users on Reddit demonstrated that the warning screen could be reproduced by connecting a laptop to the Cybertruck’s infotainment system and injecting custom text—further evidence the scenario was manufactured for publicity.
Why This Matters: EV Software, Cybersecurity, and Public Perception
This incident highlights two critical topics for electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts: the role of over-the-air (OTA) software updates and concerns about remote access. While modern EVs like the Cybertruck rely heavily on software for features such as Autopilot, navigation, and infotainment, manufacturers repeatedly emphasize that remote disabling of vehicles is not standard practice and would be reserved for extreme, verified safety or legal situations. The stunt underscores how misinformation can quickly influence public perception of EV safety and cybersecurity.
Cybertruck: Design, Specs and Performance Overview
Design: The Cybertruck’s stainless-steel exoskeleton and futuristic, angular styling make it one of the most distinctive electric pickups on the market. Interior features include a large infotainment screen, configurable storage (the "vault"), and an emphasis on durability and utility.
Vehicle Specifications
- Powertrain: Configurations include single-, dual- and tri-motor options, depending on production variant.
- Range: Estimated range varies by configuration; Tesla has previously quoted higher-range figures for top-spec models.
- Towing and payload: Built to offer competitive towing capacity and payload for an electric pickup, suitable for both work and recreation.
Performance
Tesla positions the Cybertruck as a high-performance electric pickup with brisk acceleration, advanced suspension, and strong towing capability. Top configurations are claimed to deliver sports-car-level acceleration while still offering the utility expected from a full-size truck.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The Cybertruck competes in the premium electric pickup segment against vehicles such as the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and the GMC Hummer EV. Compared to these rivals, Tesla emphasizes cutting-edge software, long-range potential, and unique design. Buyers weighing options should consider range, towing capacity, technology ecosystem (including Autopilot and OTA updates), and brand preferences.
Takeaway for Enthusiasts and Buyers
For car and EV enthusiasts, this episode is a reminder to verify sensational claims and to stay informed about how modern electric vehicles use software. The Cybertruck remains a headline-grabbing EV with interesting specs and bold design, but real discussion should focus on verified vehicle specs, performance, ownership costs, and software and cybersecurity practices rather than staged social media stunts.
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