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A judge has denied Elon Musk a $56 billion payday

It’s another day on planet Earth and one of our richest people is once again being outrageous. Elon Musk is kicking off because he’s been denied a $56 billion payout. The sooner he moves to Mars, the better, frankly.

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Judge voids Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package

A Delaware judge has blocked a $56 billion payout to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling it an “unfathomable amount” that was unfair to shareholders. Tesla dropped about 3% in extended trade.

The ruling found the share-based compensation was negotiated by directors who appeared enthralled by Musk. Judge Kathaleen McCormick wrote: “Swept up by the rhetoric of ‘all upside,’ or perhaps starry eyed by Musk’s superstar appeal, the board never asked the $55.8 billion question: Was the plan even necessary for Tesla to retain Musk and achieve its goals?”

The decision can be appealed, and if successful Musk’s $56 billion payday would be the biggest in corporate America. It comes as Tesla prepares for another round of compensation negotiations with its CEO. Earlier this month, Musk said he was uncomfortable leading Tesla unless he had 25% of the voting control.

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