Billionaire Elon Musk is facing a new legal challenge—not from business rivals, but from social media influencer and author Ashley St. Clair, who has filed a lawsuit seeking sole legal custody of their infant son, R.S.C. The court battle, which is unfolding in New York, raises serious questions about parental responsibility, legal rights, and Musk’s involvement in his child’s life.
Filed on February 21, 2025, with the New York Supreme Court, St. Clair’s petition alleges that Musk has had little to no involvement in raising their son, who was born in September 2024. She claims Musk was not present at the birth and has only met the child three times, spending a total of just a few hours with him. Despite acknowledging Musk as the father, she has also filed a paternity petition alongside the custody request to establish legal recognition.
St. Clair, 26, states in her filing that she and Musk began a romantic relationship in May 2023, leading to the child’s conception in January 2024. According to the court documents, Musk first met their son on September 21, 2024, for a two-hour visit, followed by another brief meeting the next day. The most recent interaction between Musk and the child, she claims, was on November 30, 2024, lasting only 30 minutes.

Photo: SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK
The lawsuit includes text messages allegedly sent by Musk that St. Clair argues prove his acknowledgment of paternity. Shortly after R.S.C.’s birth, Musk reportedly responded to a photo of the newborn with, “I look forward to seeing you and him this weekend.” Another message allegedly states, “If I make a mistake on security, [R.S.C.] will never know his father,” which St. Clair’s legal team says is further evidence of his recognition of the child.
Other messages included in the petition suggest Musk expressed a desire to have more children with St. Clair. On November 24, 2024, he allegedly texted, “I want to knock you up again.” Three months later, another message reportedly read, “Well, we do have a legion of kids to make.” These statements, while controversial, are being used by St. Clair’s legal team to argue that Musk was aware of his parental role but failed to take responsibility for it.

Photo: SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK
St. Clair’s attorney, Karen B. Rosenthal, asserts that all attempts to settle custody and support matters privately were unsuccessful. She claims Musk’s legal representatives have been unresponsive and that Musk himself has made it clear that he no longer wishes to negotiate amicably. The petition requests the court to legally establish paternity, determine financial support, and issue a ruling on custody arrangements in the child’s best interest.
This legal battle is the latest in a series of public disputes surrounding Musk’s personal life. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who has fathered 13 children with multiple women, is also facing scrutiny from his former partner, singer-songwriter Grimes. Just a day before St. Clair’s lawsuit was filed, Grimes publicly pleaded with Musk on social media to address an urgent medical crisis affecting one of their children.
Musk has yet to respond publicly to St. Clair’s legal claims. However, the case brings attention to critical issues regarding co-parenting, child support, and the responsibilities of high-profile parents. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications not only for Musk and St. Clair but also for discussions on parental accountability in cases involving powerful and influential figures.
With public interest growing and legal proceedings underway, all eyes are on whether this case will be resolved behind closed doors or escalate into a drawn-out courtroom battle. For now, St. Clair’s legal team remains firm in their pursuit of securing the best future for her child.