It’s unusual to hear a father openly criticize one of the world’s most influential figures — yet Errol Musk is doing just that.
In a candid and striking interview, the 79-year-old father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk made unsettling comments about his son’s role as a parent, presenting a stark contrast to the polished public image often portrayed.
From a household managed by numerous nannies to fathering children with multiple women, Errol’s revelations are sparking renewed interest and questions about how effectively Elon is balancing his responsibilities as one of the richest dads in the world.
Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, recently voiced his concerns about Elon’s parenting during the February 12 episode of the Wide Awake podcast. “He hasn’t been a good father,” said Errol, 79. “There was an excess of money and too many nannies. He had five kids with one woman, and each child had their own nanny.”
Elon Musk, 53, and his ex-wife Justine Wilson had five sons together. Tragically, their first child, Nevada, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just 10 weeks old in 2002. “Losing a child is the worst pain,” Elon reflected in a 2018 email. “My firstborn died in my arms. I felt his heartbeat.”
After Nevada’s death, the couple welcomed twins Griffin and Vivian, who are now 20, as well as triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian, now 19. Elon and Justine divorced in 2008.
Errol described their post-divorce co-parenting arrangement as unusual: “After they separated, there were six nannies on each side,” he said. “It was quite a strange setup.”
Attempts to reach Elon Musk’s representatives for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
Regarding Elon’s former partners, Errol expressed a dismissive attitude: “Fathers typically aren’t too involved with their children’s spouses unless those partners make a significant effort.”
Following his split from Wilson, Elon began a relationship with Canadian artist Grimes, with whom he has three children: son X AE A-XII (4), daughter Exa Dark Sideræl (3), and son Techno Mechanicus (2).
Court documents obtained by Insider in July 2022 revealed that Elon fathered twins in November 2021 with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis—just weeks before his daughter Exa was born with Grimes.
Most recently, in February 2025, conservative commentator Ashley St. Clair publicly claimed that Elon is the father of her child, reportedly his 13th. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), St. Clair wrote, “Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby. Elon Musk is the father. I had kept this private to protect our child’s privacy and safety, but the tabloids are intent on exposing it regardless.”
A spokesperson for St. Clair later shared that she and Elon are working privately toward a co-parenting agreement. “We’re awaiting Elon’s public acknowledgment to end unfounded rumors,” said Brian Glicklich. “Ashley trusts Elon will finalize their agreement soon, prioritizing the child’s safety and well-being.”
So far, Elon Musk has not publicly responded to St. Clair’s statements.
In summary, Errol Musk’s outspoken comments have once again brought the spotlight to Elon Musk’s complicated personal life and his evolving role as a father. While the billionaire continues to make headlines for his business ventures and innovations, his expanding family and related controversies reveal a more complex story behind the scenes.
As former partners come forward and questions about Elon’s parenting involvement continue, many are waiting to see if he will address his growing responsibilities beyond his public persona.