Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and the social media platform X, has reportedly provided financial assistance to British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose legal troubles have intensified in recent months. Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court after repeating defamatory claims about a schoolboy in Huddersfield. He has also been unsuccessful in challenging his prison conditions and faces additional charges under the Terrorism Act for allegedly failing to provide his mobile phone PIN to authorities.
According to a statement shared via Robinson’s Telegram account, Musk agreed to fund legal expenses related to two specific cases: one addressing Robinson’s prison treatment and another concerning the terrorism-related charge. The total estimated cost of legal representation could amount to approximately £125,000. The report was originally published by The i.
Musk’s public interest in Robinson appears to have emerged after civil unrest in Southport in July 2024. He later called for Robinson’s release from prison, claiming the activist had been jailed for “telling the truth.” These statements reportedly caused friction between Musk and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who publicly distanced himself from Robinson and criticized Musk’s endorsement. In response, Musk suggested that Farage lacked the leadership qualities necessary for his position, calling for his replacement earlier this year.
Robinson has a well-documented history of involvement in far-right organizations, including the British National Party and the English Defence League. He is scheduled to be released from prison in July 2025. While the full extent of Musk’s financial support remains unclear, Robinson’s team characterized the intervention as both generous and unexpected.
A legal expert cited by The i noted that such cases are typically managed by lower-level legal representatives due to cost constraints, suggesting that Robinson’s defense is unusually well-resourced. Critics have raised concerns about the broader implications of Musk’s involvement, especially given Robinson’s widely condemned rhetoric.
