Errol Musk, the father of the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, recently opened up about his son and their turbulent relationship during interviews connected to a ZDF documentary. Set against the backdrop of their home near Cape Town, Errol Musk describes the complicated childhood of his son —a man now known not just for his wealth but as a divisive figure who interacts with right-wing extremists and has been accused of undermining democratic values.
Elon Musk, influential and erratic, has his father’s sharp tongue and unapologetic views. "If your children have never hated you, you were not a real father," states Errol, who at 78 exhibits both pride and defiance when discussing the upbringing of his son, whom many view as dangerous to the lazy and unproductive. He recalls with somewhat twisted nostalgia how Elon, who slept beside him until the age of 12, needed security as he grew up, though Errol dismisses Elon’s childhood recollections of violence and bullying as "utter nonsense." "Boys will be boys," he insists, repeating his father's mantra to downplay any problems Elon may have faced during his school years, where he claims the bullying described by his son is exaggerated.
The documentary, aired by ZDF, provides insights from various perspectives on Elon’s life as well as Errol's reflections. According to Kimbal Musk, Elon’s brother, the environment was rife with psychological turmoil, describing their upbringing as one of “torture.” Kimbal comments, "We lived with psychological, emotional torment," noting the unpredictable affection and madness displayed by their father. Such memories conflicted sharply with Errol’s view, which he interpreted as validation of his parenting methods.
Errol Musk recounts conversations with his sons, describing them as dutiful and obedient, yet the documentary paints Elon as someone burdened by high expectations and the pressure to succeed. Elon, noted for his audacious ventures, left South Africa for Canada at the age of 17 after obtaining citizenship, eventually making waves as one of Silicon Valley's most prominent figures during the tech boom. Errol also revealed hints of ambition for his lineage, noting he would like more children but laments the need for "a female." This flippant remark on women adds another layer to the complex familial dynamics.
The documentary also touches on the controversial claims surrounding Errol Musk’s personal life. Recently, news surfaced about him confirming he has another child with his ex-stepdaughter, which he has publicly acknowledged. Initial reports wrongly connected this child with misleading imagery from the 1972 film "Deliverance," leading to public outcry. The emotive resonance of the photograph suggested far more sinister intentions, but Errol confirmed the legitimacy of his connection to the child, clarifying the inaccurately implicated narrative.
Interestingly, Far from retracting or apologizing for his past behaviors, Errol stands firm and draws on history to frame his actions. “Elon is dangerous for lazy and useless people,” he remarked, contrasting notions of productivity with character. Perhaps indicative of the volatility of both men, the commentary reflects on the themes of strength and survival—both traits they seem to veer toward brutally.
Throughout the years, Elon Musk has often been described as emotionally distant, following the narrative established by his father—a complex man who often seems to deflect responsibility by overemphasizing toughness. Reports have painted Elon as someone who has made headlines for significant technological achievements and radical political statements alike. When Errol mentions, "Empathy is something we struggle with," it reveals the family’s collective challenge with the emotional risks of success and public scrutiny.
Errol’s forthrightness has also served to keep their family’s dynamic continuously under the microscope. Just last year, political outrage followed as Elon was criticized for his provocative statements on social media, effectively using his platform as X to steer public conversations. Errol believes the fathers of history have charted the course for their sons to navigate through expectation and resentment, viewing his influence with mixed pride.
At the heart of the documentary is the exploration of power and media influence, shaped by both father and son. With Elon Musk teetering on the edge of chaos, viewers are left grappling with how closely intertwined his identity is with his father's narrative. Reflections from public figures on the documentary echo back to the repeating themes of ambition and the perils of talent without temperance.
Despite the tumultuous familial tides, the documentary also builds up the relational costs incurred along the way. With Errol celebrating the perceived closeness he once shared with Elon, he also engages with humanity’s darker shades. He speaks passionately of children as extensions of empowerment, expressing beliefs about children needing to be molded through hardship: "I’ve always taught my boys to be strong." The relationship dynamics within the Musk family illuminate how innate conflict can shape powerful figures and their interactions with the public.
While many speculate what drives Elon still—money, ambition, or something far harder to define—Errol's comments serve as insight beyond the mythos of wealth and fame. It is clear Musk's ambition is affected not just by his vision but by the complex world his father constructed during his formative years. At once proud and severely misguided, Errol Musk’s unvarnished perspective invites scrutiny over the relationship between upbringing and capability, ambition and wellness. "Everything I do, I do for the future," noted Elon, echoing sentiments spawned from his father’s paradigm of tough love. If Errol’s philosophy holds any truth, then the rift left to cross may reflect the ultimate projection of his teachings played out on the global stage.