In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the media and Musk fandom, Errol Musk, the father of billionaire innovator Elon Musk, has publicly criticized his son for being an irresponsible and absentee father despite having 12 children. The scathing remarks, delivered in a candid interview in April 2025, have ignited a firestorm of debate about Elon’s personal life, casting a shadow over his public image as a visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company. Errol’s blunt assessment—“He’s fathered all these kids but fails to be a real dad”—has exposed a deeply personal rift and sparked intense reactions worldwide.
Errol Musk, a retired South African engineer, did not mince words when addressing his son’s parenting. Speaking to a prominent news outlet, he expressed dismay at Elon’s approach to fatherhood, accusing him of prioritizing his ambitious business ventures over meaningful relationships with his children. “Elon has all these kids, but where is he when they need him?” Errol asked pointedly. “Being a father isn’t just about numbers; it’s about showing up, and he’s not doing that.” With Elon’s children born to multiple partners, including musician Grimes and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, Errol’s critique suggests a pattern of emotional absence that he finds unacceptable.
The timing of Errol’s comments is particularly striking, coming amid a wave of controversies surrounding Elon’s public and private life. Known for his hands-on role in projects like the Flying Tesla Scooter and a $56 quintillion ocean-to-ocean tunnel, Elon has often portrayed himself as a dedicated family man, sharing glimpses of his children, like X Æ A-Xii, on X. However, Errol’s accusations paint a starkly different picture, alleging that Elon’s global ambitions leave little room for the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting. “He’s too busy playing the hero to the world,” Errol said, “but his kids need a father, not a myth.”
The interview has unleashed a torrent of reactions on X, where opinions are sharply divided. Supporters of Elon argue that his demanding schedule—overseeing multiple companies and pushing for Mars colonization—justifies his limited presence. “He’s building a future for his kids and humanity,” one fan wrote. “Cut him some slack!” Others, however, side with Errol, criticizing Elon for what they see as reckless family expansion without accountability. “Having 12 kids and not being there is selfish,” a user commented, reflecting growing sentiment that Elon’s personal choices are under scrutiny.
Errol’s remarks also touch on a broader family dynamic. The Musk family has a history of public spats, with Errol previously making headlines for controversial statements and his own complex personal life. Some speculate that his criticism of Elon stems from unresolved tensions, while others see it as a father’s genuine concern for his grandchildren. Errol hinted at specific instances of neglect but declined to share details, saying only, “Those kids deserve better, and Elon knows it.”
Elon has yet to respond publicly, a silence that has fueled speculation about the state of his relationship with his father and children. Tesla and SpaceX have issued no statements, leaving the narrative to unfold on social media and in tabloids. For a man accustomed to shaping public perception, this personal attack from his own father is a rare vulnerability, compounding recent backlash over his business practices and political influence.
As the controversy rages, the world is left to ponder the cost of Elon’s relentless ambition. Errol’s words have struck a chord, forcing a reckoning with the human side of a figure often seen as larger than life. Whether this prompts Elon to reflect on his role as a father or deepens the Musk family divide, one thing is certain: the scars of this public rebuke will linger, challenging the myth of the untouchable innovator.
