It's just becoming visible for everyone now. Truth is, he was always like that.
Freedom of speech ? Tesla pretty much survived thanks to Elon's deal with China to build the Shanghai factory. He never ever said anything about freedom of speech there.
He also actively tried and succeed to shut down people pointing out online that Tesla finances were in a very dire state at the time (2018). Lookup 'Montana Sceptic' case - he found out the guy, personally called the office he worked in, and threatened with lawsuits, which would include his employer.
EDIT: I shared your point of view until quite recently.
Freedom of speech ? Tesla pretty much survived thanks to Elon's deal with China to build the Shanghai factory. He never ever said anything about freedom of speech there.
He also actively tried and succeed to shut down people pointing out online that Tesla finances were in a very dire state at the time (2018). Lookup 'Montana Sceptic' case - he found out the guy, personally called the office he worked in, and threatened with lawsuits, which would include his employer.
EDIT: I shared your point of view until quite recently.