💥 10 MINUTES AGO: Elon Musk paid Irad Ortiz Jr $100 million to promote his Tesla Cybertruck, but the horse racing star’s reaction has left the world stunned.

In a development that has sent shockwaves across both the tech and sports industries, reports have surfaced that Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla, has paid renowned horse racing jockey Irad Ortiz Jr a staggering $100 million to become the face of the Tesla Cybertruck’s latest promotional campaign. However, while many expected Ortiz Jr to immediately embrace the lucrative offer, his reaction has left the world in disbelief.

Irad Ortiz Jr, widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of this generation, has long been admired for his fierce competitive spirit on the track and his charismatic personality off it. With multiple Eclipse Awards and countless prestigious race victories to his name, Ortiz Jr’s popularity extends well beyond the horse racing community. It’s no surprise that Tesla, in a bid to break into unconventional markets and appeal to younger, sport-loving audiences, chose him as a potential ambassador for their futuristic Cybertruck.

The $100 million figure itself has fueled intense debate. Marketing experts argue that such a massive sum highlights Tesla’s desperation to push the Cybertruck into mainstream culture, especially after facing mixed reviews since its prototype unveiling. By associating with someone like Irad Ortiz Jr, Tesla aimed to blend the thrill of racing with cutting-edge automotive technology, tapping into the drama and prestige surrounding the jockey’s career.

But the real drama began not with the offer, but with Irad Ortiz Jr’s response. Instead of enthusiastically joining forces with Tesla, Ortiz Jr delivered a calm but firm rejection, stating that while he appreciated the gesture, his focus would remain entirely on his career in horse racing. “I’m honored by the interest, but my commitment is to the sport I love. Right now, my heart is at the racetrack, not behind the wheel,” he reportedly said.

This unexpected refusal has left fans, industry insiders, and media outlets stunned. In an era where sports personalities frequently jump at the chance for massive endorsement deals, especially one of this scale, Ortiz Jr’s decision to walk away from $100 million speaks volumes about his priorities and personal integrity. Social media platforms exploded with reactions, with many praising Ortiz Jr for staying true to his roots, while others expressed disbelief at what they saw as a missed opportunity of a lifetime.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s camp has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest that Tesla is already searching for alternative celebrity partners to spearhead their campaign. Whether this move will backfire or ultimately work in Tesla’s favor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the bold $100 million move, and Ortiz Jr’s equally bold refusal, has created one of the most unexpected and talked-about moments of 2025.