Elon Musk is once again at the center of controversy, this time over a paternity suit filed by conservative influencer Ashley St Clair.
The 53-year-old tech mogul says he’s “not against” taking a DNA test to find out if he is the father of St Clair’s baby boy, but his words have only ignited more drama.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote: “I don’t know if the child is mine or not, but am not against finding out. No court order is needed.” The Tesla and SpaceX CEO added that he has already given St Clair $2.5 million and is currently sending her $500,000 per year.
But St Clair, 26, immediately disputed Musk’s version of events.
“Elon, we asked you to confirm paternity through a test before our child (who you named) was even born. You refused,” she replied on X. “And you weren’t sending me money, you were sending support for your child that you thought was necessary … until you withdrew most of it to maintain control and punish me for ‘disobedience.’ But you’re really only punishing your son.”
The online exchange has turned deeply personal. St Clair further accused Musk of using his power and influence to control the narrative. “It’s ironic that your last effort in court was to try to gag me while you use a social media channel you literally own to distribute derogatory messages about me and our child to the entire world. It’s all about control with you, and everyone can see it,” she posted. “America needs you to grow up, you petulant man-child.”
St Clair had first revealed Musk’s alleged paternity on February 14, stating: “Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father.” She said she kept the child’s identity private until media threats pushed her to go public.
According to court documents, the two began dating in May 2023, and the child was conceived in early January 2024. St Clair claimed Musk declined to attend the birth despite being invited and has shown little interest in custody. She also alleged that Musk has only met the child three times: for two hours in New York on September 21, 2024, one hour the next day, and 30 minutes on November 30 in Austin, Texas.
This lawsuit adds to Musk’s growing list of legal and personal entanglements. He is already the father of 13 children: six with his first wife Justine Wilson, three with musician Grimes, and four with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis.
As the legal battle unfolds, Musk continues to frame the issue as one of autonomy and fairness, while St Clair paints a picture of control and manipulation. What is certain is that this case, involving one of the world’s most scrutinized billionaires, is far from over.
