Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is caught up in a controversial scandal involving Republican influencer Ashley St. Clair. The drama began when St. Clair, 26, revealed that she had secretly given birth to Musk’s 13th child, known only as R.S.C., and filed for full custody in a New York court.
Things took a shocking turn when internet personality Isabella Moody, a former friend of St. Clair, released text messages that seemed to show St. Clair’s intention to seduce Musk. The messages, sent in May 2023, appear to reveal a calculated plan to trap the billionaire. One message in particular stood out: “Elon followed me. I need his rocket babies,” which has since sparked outrage on social media.
Musk, 53, responded to the leak with a surprised “Woah!” on X (formerly Twitter), as the allegations quickly gained attention. The timing of this revelation was unfortunate for St. Clair, who had recently posted a photo of Musk holding their son, which was part of her court filing. The image was meant to strengthen her case for custody, but instead, it added fuel to the fire.
The announcement on Valentine’s Day that St. Clair had secretly had Musk’s child five months earlier shocked both the political and tech worlds. St. Clair’s public request for privacy for their child has now been called into question by critics, who believe the leaked texts show her intentions were far from private.
This scandal is more than just a tabloid story; it’s become a public relations disaster for Musk. Known for his outspoken “pronatalist” views, Musk has fathered 13 children with four different women. His large, unconventional family, which includes high-profile partners like musician Grimes, Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, and his first wife Justine Wilson, has always been part of his public persona. His family is said to play a significant role in his efforts to address what he believes is a global underpopulation crisis.
However, the allegations of a “baby trap” could harm Musk’s public image and raise uncomfortable questions about power dynamics, consent, and exploitation, especially involving one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Adding to the complexity, St. Clair’s conservative political views have led to speculation that her actions may not have been purely personal. Some critics believe she may have been using motherhood as a way to gain influence or financial advantage over Musk, one of the most powerful figures in the tech world.
The controversy has sparked heated debate online, with some defending St. Clair’s right to seek custody, while others accuse her of manipulation. Meanwhile, Musk’s cryptic responses on social media—ranging from laughing emojis to vague comments about “side quests”—have done little to clarify his position on the unfolding situation.
