Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and one of the most discussed individuals globally, is once again at the forefront of a highly publicized family and legal situation. In early January 2026, Musk took to social media to announce his intention to seek full custody of his one-year-old son with influencer and author Ashley St. Clair.
This significant announcement has generated extensive media attention, sparked intense online discussions, and heightened public examination of Musk’s personal affairs. The prospective custody filing occurs against a backdrop of ideological disagreements, shifting public statements, and ongoing legal proceedings involving Musk and St. Clair.
Who Are Elon Musk and Ashley St. Clair?
Elon Musk is a prominent entrepreneur recognized for establishing or leading various companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and, most recently, his contentious ownership of the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter). Musk is well-known for his intricate personal life, having fathered children with several partners.
Ashley St. Clair is an online figure, author, and former conservative influencer who gained attention in 2025 when she disclosed that she had given birth to a child she claimed was fathered by Musk, a baby boy named Romulus, born in September 2024. St. Clair had initially kept the child’s existence under wraps for several months, citing concerns for privacy and safety before revealing it amidst significant media scrutiny.
What Did Elon Musk Announce?
Custody Filing Regarding “Transgender Issues”
In January 2026, Musk utilized X (previously known as Twitter) to announce his intention to seek full custody of his son. He contextualized this decision by referencing remarks made by St. Clair concerning gender identity and the transgender community. According to Musk’s statement, he would be pursuing custody due to St. Clair’s recent public apology for her earlier comments and what he perceived as implications regarding gender identity that raised concerns about her potentially transitioning their young son. Musk declared:
“I will be filing for full custody today, given her statements implying she might transition to a one -year – old boy.”
It is important to note that there is no evidence from St. Clair’s posts indicating that she ever expressed a desire to transition the child. Her comments on social media focused on conveying regret for her previous transphobic statements and a commitment to learn and advocate for individuals within the transgender community, including recognizing how certain remarks may have caused harm to others.
Custody Claims Under Judicial Review
Before Musk made his social media statement, St. Clair had already lodged a petition for sole custody and sought the court’s legal acknowledgement of paternity. In her petition, she claimed to be the exclusive caregiver for their son, responsible for feeding, bathing, and monitoring his physical and emotional development and maintained that Musk’s involvement has been limited.
These petitions usually set off a legal process that could entail DNA testing, hearings, and judicial determinations centred on the best interests of the child, the standard legal doctrine in most U.S. jurisdictions.
Custody Proceedings Will Proceed
A formal custody filing establishes a legal framework for both parties to present their arguments in court. The judge will evaluate several factors, such as emotional stability, caregiving history, financial support, and the child’s best interests, to determine custody. Musk’s recent statement indicates his intention to adopt a more proactive legal approach.
