Elon Musk is sowing deliberate division via his social media platform X that will be catastrophic unless regulated, according to Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of the billionaire’s children. The warning features prominently in a new documentary titled Musk, directed by veteran filmmaker Alex Gibney, which examines the world’s richest man and his growing influence over global political discourse.
The Documentary Claims and the ‘Legion of Children’ Text
According to the four-hour documentary filmed over three years, St Clair stated that Musk told her in a text message he wanted to have a child with her because he needed a legion of children before a civil war. The couple had a son in 2024 before separating. St Clair told the filmmakers that Musk’s team offered her a $40m lump-sum payment alongside a monthly stipend of $100,000 in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement. That offer was withdrawn after she refused to sign.
Did you know?
Elon Musk has fathered 14 confirmed children, a sprawling family dynamic that frequently intersects with his public commentary on declining birth rates and civilisational collapse.
Political Activism and the Real-World Impact of X
Asked during the Venice Film Festival premiere whether her former partner was scared of a civil war or actively trying to stoke one, St Clair argued that his actions on X cannot be ignored. “He is stoking flames that don’t exist in the real world,” she said, adding that she now regrets her former political activism. “I do believe that he is causing deliberate division that may be catastrophic if it’s not regulated or tamed.”
Since acquiring the platform formerly known as Twitter in 2022, Musk has routinely used his personal account to amplify political viewpoints. Recently, he celebrated the strong electoral result for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. He responded with “Well done!” to co-leader Alice Weidel’s acclamation of the lead candidate.
Childhood Trauma and the ‘Confidence Man’ Persona
Filmmaker Alex Gibney, whose previous documentary subjects include Enron, Vladimir Putin, and the US military, suggests Musk’s fixation on civilisational collapse stems from his upbringing. “He had a childhood that was very difficult and traumatic,” Gibney said in Venice. “To some extent he’s now playing out that trauma on the rest of us.”
The documentary charts Musk’s evolution from a software start-up tech bro to engineering entrepreneur selling rockets and electric cars to Maga acolyte. However, Gibney rejects the standard framing of Musk as an innovative pioneer. “What I discovered was that the story of Musk was not a new tech story,” Gibney said. “His story turns out to be the story of the confidence man, the stock pumper. His wealth and power comes from inflating stock.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Musk?
The four-hour documentary was directed by veteran filmmaker Alex Gibney over a three-year production period.
What allegations does Ashley St Clair make against Elon Musk?
According to the documentary, St Clair claims Musk texted her that he needed a “legion of children before the civil war.” She also stated that Musk’s team offered her a $40m payment and a $100,000 monthly stipend to sign an NDA, which was withdrawn when she refused.
How long has Alex Gibney followed Musk’s story?
Gibney filmed the documentary project over three years, examining Musk’s business ventures and his political evolution on X.
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