NEW YORK, April 1, 2025 — In a headline-making turn of events, tech magnate Elon Musk has revealed he paid $2.5 million to conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair in support of a child she claims they conceived together — despite not being certain if he is the biological father. The revelation, shared by Musk on X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a media firestorm as legal proceedings loom in the New York Supreme Court.
The controversy began when 26-year-old Ashley St. Clair publicly stated in February 2025 that she had given birth to Musk’s child in September 2024. Initially choosing to remain silent for privacy reasons, she alleged media pressure forced her to come forward. Shortly after, St. Clair filed a lawsuit seeking sole custody and a court-mandated paternity test, thrusting the case into the national spotlight.
The New York Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for May 29, 2025, with Judge Jeffrey H. Pearlman presiding.
Musk issued a candid statement on March 31 via X, saying, “I don’t know if the child is mine, but I’m not opposed to finding out. No court order was necessary. Even without certainty, I’ve given Ashley $2.5 million and continue to send her $500,000 per year.”
St. Clair quickly fired back, accusing Musk of cutting the support payments by 60%, forcing her to sell her Tesla Model S to cover basic expenses. In her response, she added, “You weren’t sending money to me — it was for your child. Then you used financial control to punish me for ‘defiance.’ But really, you’re punishing your son.”
She further condemned Musk for allegedly attempting to silence her in court while simultaneously “broadcasting defamatory statements” on a platform he owns, calling it a move to maintain control.
St. Clair’s attorney, Karen Rosenthal, said last month that Musk had taken “financial revenge” when attempts at private resolution failed. She described the payment cuts as retaliatory, arguing Musk’s behavior underscores a troubling pattern when women speak out.
The child, referred to in court documents as R.S.C., is said to be Musk’s 13th, from relationships with three other women: ex-wife Justine Wilson, musician Grimes, and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. Musk and St. Clair’s relationship reportedly began in May 2023, with the child’s conception occurring in January 2024.
Musk has denied claims of neglect, asserting he has always been generous with child support and calling St. Clair’s accusations “false.”
