Elon Musk and conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair are embroiled in a public disagreement over claims of paternity and financial support.
The New York Post reported that St. Clair has accused Musk of fathering her child and subsequently reducing financial assistance, leading to a contentious exchange that has unfolded across social media platforms.
The situation began when St. Clair publicly accused Musk of being the father of her child, a claim that Musk has strongly refuted, stating that he is unsure if he is the child's father.
Musk took to the social media platform X, asserting that he has contributed financially, initially providing St. Clair with $2.5 million and continuing to support her with $500,000 annually, despite his uncertainty about paternity.
This ongoing dispute led St. Clair to file a paternity lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court last month, seeking a legal resolution on the matter.
Musk, while maintaining his stance of indeterminate paternity, emphasized on social media that he is not opposed to conducting a paternity test to clarify the situation.
However, St. Clair criticized Musk for his reluctance, stating that they had requested such a test before the childbirth. According to St. Clair, Musk's financial contributions were intended as child support, not personal financial assistance, a distinction she highlighted when addressing Musk's alleged reduction of payments.
The lawsuit filed by St. Clair outlines several key points, including the claim that the child was conceived on a January 2024 trip to St. Barts. The case is bolstered by a photograph showing Musk with the child, evidence of his visits, which St. Clair insists occurred only three times.
St. Clair's public criticisms of Musk have extended beyond financial and parental issues. She accuses Musk of using his financial influence as a means of control, alleging that the reduction in child support stems from his desire to "punish" her for perceived disobedience.
In response to Musk's online declarations, St. Clair remarked on what she perceives as his attempts to control the narrative and prevent her from speaking out, particularly through legal avenues.
This high-profile dispute has also drawn public attention and criticism. Some social media users have taken to platforms to criticize St. Clair, with some labeling her motivations and sincerity into question. Notably, Laura Loomer referred to St. Clair as a "gold digger" and a "professional gaslighter," a sentiment echoed by others who have followed the unfolding drama online.
The ongoing legal proceedings have attracted media interest, especially following recent actions by St. Clair, who sold her Tesla vehicle. She claimed that this decision was a direct consequence of Musk's alleged cuts to her son's support, which she described as a move to "make up" the financial difference caused by these reductions.
As the case proceeds through the courts, St. Clair has expressed discontent with Musk's corporate ventures, implying that they negatively affect others beyond their personal dispute.
She suggested that Musk's business decisions have broader implications, alluding to stock market impacts and the cleaning up of "messes" she attributes to him.
In a media interview, St. Clair voiced her frustrations, arguing that Musk's actions are part of a larger pattern when dealing with women who confront him. This perspective adds another layer to the story, reaching beyond their personal conflict to touch upon broader social dynamics.
The relationship between Musk and St. Clair dates back to an interview in 2023, conducted by St. Clair for the satirical website, the Babylon Bee. This initial connection has evolved into a public and personal conflict, marked by accusations and legal battles.
St. Clair, reflecting on her experience, described feeling isolated during her pregnancy and highlighted these feelings as part of her broader grievances.
