‘Is That What You Said?’: Kevin O’Leary Takes On Left-Wing Podcaster Who Called Tesla ‘South African-First’ Company

“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary sparred with left-wing podcast host Angela Rye Wednesday as she argued that Elon Musk’s leadership at Tesla makes it a “South Africa-first” company.

Anti-Musk demonstrators have attacked Tesla dealerships, charging stations and vehicles across the U.S. with swastika symbols and graffiti. Rye took a swipe at Musk’s immigration status, leading O’Leary to clap back and argue that every American is a descendent of immigrants.

“I don’t condone violence, but I wish people would take a look in the mirror and see what’s actually happening,” Rye said. “This is not an America First company, this is a South Africa-first company. That’s what Tesla is. But this is the same party who talks about America First and Make America Great Again, but they’re giving someone unfettered access who is an immigrant and if you leave it for this party, there’s no space for immigrants.”

“We’re all immigrants,” O’Leary said. “Some of 🇺🇸US are lesser immigrants? Is that what you said? Elon Musk is a lesser immigrant? He’s tainted because he’s South African, he’s really brilliant? … Wow, the tainted immigrant. Wow. Where do I fit in? I’m Irish-Lebanese, am I like, second class or where am I?”

WATCH:

📺 Embedded media — coming soon

CNN political commentator Michael Singleton, a Republican, defended Tesla, saying it is an American-based company that employs tens of thousands of Americans. Rye suggested the Republican Party intentionally supports white immigrants over immigrants of other races, claiming they allegedly give fairer treatment to “South African refugees.”

“Elon Musk’s company is an American company,” Singleton said. “Now, you don’t like his views, I respect that. You’re entitled to that. But it is an American company, Angela, that employs a lot of American people. Black, white, Latino, Republican Democrat.”