‘Terrible Human Being’: The Complicated Life of Errol Musk, Father of the World’s Most Famous Billionaire
Errol Musk is a name that evokes strong reactions. A South African engineer, pilot, and property developer, Errol’s resume reads like that of a self-made man who achieved substantial success in his career. But for most of the world, he’s known primarily as the father of Elon Musk — the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X — and as one of the most controversial figures in the Musk family story. From tales of wealth and mining ventures to his turbulent relationship with his famous son, Errol’s life is a mix of achievement, scandal, and complex family drama.
Early Success and the Emerald Mine Rumors
Born in South Africa in 1946, Errol Musk carved out a life for himself as an ambitious entrepreneur and engineer. A skilled pilot and sailor, Errol thrived in a South Africa that was undergoing rapid change. He worked in engineering and property development, amassing a comfortable fortune over the years.
But it’s his rumored involvement in the emerald mining business that has captured public imagination. According to various accounts — including some told by Errol himself — the Musk family once had partial ownership of an emerald mine in Zambia. In an interview years ago, Errol claimed that during Elon’s youth, they often carried emeralds through airports in their pockets to sell them for cash, fueling a lifestyle of privilege.
Elon Musk, however, has repeatedly denied these stories. “We did not have an emerald mine, and I had to work my way through college,” Elon tweeted in 2019, dismissing the rumors as exaggerations. Still, Errol’s claims continue to circulate, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the Musk family narrative.
A Complicated Father-Son Relationship
While Errol Musk’s financial dealings have sparked debate, it’s his relationship with Elon that has drawn the most scrutiny. Elon has rarely spoken positively about his father. In a 2017 Rolling Stone interview, he described Errol as “a terrible human being” and recounted a childhood filled with emotional pain.
“You have no idea how bad,” Elon said at the time. “Almost every crime you can think of, he has done.” Elon didn’t elaborate on the specifics, but the comments were enough to paint a deeply fractured picture of their relationship.
Errol, for his part, has brushed off these accusations in interviews, portraying himself as a misunderstood figure. “I love my children, and I’m very proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Errol has said. He maintains that his relationship with Elon is “fine,” though Elon’s public comments suggest otherwise.
Family Turmoil and Scandals
Errol’s personal life has been equally complicated. He married Maye Musk, a Canadian-South African model and dietitian, in 1970. The couple had three children together: Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca. But their marriage ended in divorce in 1979, with Maye later describing the union as tumultuous and emotionally draining.
In later years, Errol found himself at the center of several scandals, the most notable being his relationship with his stepdaughter, Jana Bezuidenhout. Reports revealed that Errol fathered two children with Jana, who had been his stepdaughter since she was four years old. The revelation caused a media firestorm and drew harsh criticism, adding another layer of controversy to Errol’s already complicated public image.
Errol defended the relationship, insisting that it was consensual and that he had a right to live his life as he saw fit. “The only thing we are on Earth for is to reproduce,” he told The Sunday Times. But for many observers, the situation was troubling and added to the narrative of Errol as an unpredictable and controversial figure.
The Shadow of Elon
It’s impossible to talk about Errol Musk without discussing his son Elon. While Errol had his share of successes, they pale in comparison to Elon’s rise to becoming one of the most powerful and influential figures in the world. Elon’s companies — Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter) — have revolutionized industries and made him a household name.
Errol has expressed pride in his son’s achievements but has also been quick to downplay them in interviews. “Elon is successful because he works hard,” Errol has said, though he often adds that the Musk family’s intelligence and resourcefulness played a role in Elon’s success.
This dynamic — a father both proud and occasionally dismissive — underscores the tension between them. For Elon, who has openly shared stories of a difficult childhood, his father’s approval may be complicated at best. For Errol, living in the shadow of his son’s immense fame has undoubtedly shaped his public persona.
Legacy and Perception
Errol Musk remains an enigmatic figure: a man with undeniable accomplishments, yet overshadowed by scandals and strained family ties. His story raises questions about how personal choices, family dynamics, and public perception intertwine to shape a legacy.
Is he a brilliant, misunderstood entrepreneur whose flaws have been exaggerated? Or is he, as his son described, a “terrible human being” whose past actions speak for themselves?
Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between. What’s clear is that Errol Musk has lived a life as complex as the man who now dominates headlines worldwide — his son.
As Elon Musk continues to shape the future of technology and business, the shadow of Errol looms large, a reminder that behind every icon is a family story — messy, human, and far from perfect.
