Elon Musk, the tech billionaire behind Tesla and Spacex, is no stranger to controversy. His latest legal battle, however, takes a deeply personal turn. Influencer Ashley St. Clair has revealed details of a paternity and custody dispute involving their son, who was born in February.
The case has sparked widespread interest, with allegations of hush money, strained relationships, and questions about Musk’s involvement in his child’s life.
St. Clair claims that DNA tests show a 99.9999% probability that Musk is the father of her child. Despite this, Musk has not publicly acknowledged the child. According to St. Clair, Musk, through his adviser Jared Birchall, offered her $15 million and $100,000 monthly to remain silent about his parentage until the child turns 21. She refused the offer, citing the non-disclosure agreement’s one-sided terms: it barred her from criticising Musk but imposed no similar restrictions on him.
Elon Musk juggles more than a dozen children and ‘harem drama’ along with running his companies and advising Trump. He recently took a paternity test in a battle with one woman over money and privacy. https://t.co/UE3v3t0boI
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 16, 2025
The Relationship: A Brief Encounter with Lasting Consequences
St. Clair and Musk reportedly met in 2023 and conceived their child during a New Year’s trip. Musk allegedly suggested naming the child Romulus and made specific requests about the birth, including a caesarean delivery and no circumcision requests St. Clair did not accept. Their relationship, though brief, has led to a complex legal and personal fallout.
After rejecting Musk’s offer, St. Clair alleges that he reduced child support payments and distanced himself from the child. In March, she was seen selling her Tesla, which she attributed to financial difficulties. St. Clair told reporters that Musk cut support by 60% following her legal filing. Court documents reveal that Musk was minimally involved in the child’s life and insisted on secrecy throughout. The case has since been sealed, limiting St. Clair’s ability to speak publicly, though she continues challenging Musk’s social media actions.
This dispute sheds light on Musk’s intricate personal arrangements. He has at least 14 known children with multiple partners, including Shivon Zilis and musician Grimes. Reports suggest efforts to house his partners and children in a single gated community. The outcome of this case could impact Musk’s relationships, public image, and financial obligations, adding another layer to his already high-profile life.