Elon Musk and the Parenthood Controversy: Unpacking the Billionaire’s Views on Population and Legacy

In recent years, Elon Musk—tech mogul, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and now a father to more than 10 children—has sparked conversation and controversy not just with rockets and electric cars, but with his personal life, particularly his growing number of offspring. His unapologetically prolific fatherhood has led many to question: is there something deeper—perhaps even ideological—behind Musk’s choices?

An Unusual Pattern

As of 2025, Musk has fathered at least 11 children with multiple women, including pop artist Grimes and Shivon Zilis, an executive at one of his companies. While celebrities having children across multiple relationships is not uncommon, Musk’s open statements about population decline, his self-described “duty” to procreate, and the rapid pace at which he’s expanding his family have led to widespread speculation.

Some online pundits and media outlets have gone as far as to call it a “fetish,” a term Musk has not publicly responded to. But is this really about kink—or something more philosophical?

A War on “Population Collapse”

Musk has repeatedly stated on social media and in interviews that he believes population collapse is one of the greatest threats to civilization. In a 2021 tweet, he bluntly declared: “Population collapse due to low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming.”

This belief has shaped much of Musk’s rhetoric about family and children. He has positioned himself as a kind of counter-cultural figure: while many in the tech elite prioritize minimalism, environmentalism, or even childlessness, Musk seems to be embracing reproduction as a form of personal and societal insurance policy.

“It’s important to have kids,” he said in one 2022 interview. “If people don’t have more children, civilization is going to crumble.”

From Philosophy to Practice

But Musk hasn’t just spoken about this—he’s acted on it. In 2022, it was revealed that he had quietly fathered twins with Zilis, just weeks before his second child with Grimes was born via surrogate. The close timing, combined with the private nature of the births, raised eyebrows. Was this coordinated? Was this part of a broader pattern?

While some find the behavior eccentric but ultimately harmless, others have raised ethical questions. Is Musk using his wealth and power to build a private dynasty? Are the women involved truly equals in these arrangements—or are they part of a larger strategy, conscious or not, being driven by Musk’s views?

Internet Speculation and Cultural Commentary

The internet, of course, has had a field day. Memes about “Elon’s breeding plan” abound. Late-night hosts have joked about Musk needing his own zip code for child support. But behind the satire lies a real and valid curiosity: What does it mean when one of the world’s richest and most influential men is on a seemingly deliberate mission to repopulate?

The idea of “elite reproduction” isn’t new. History is filled with powerful men who believed their legacy was best preserved through lineage. Musk may not be a king, but in the modern hierarchy of money and innovation, he’s about as close as it gets.

What It Says About Us

Whether or not Musk’s actions stem from a “fetish” or simply a deep belief in the value of reproduction, the attention his personal life attracts says as much about society as it does about him. In a culture obsessed with celebrity and tech, Musk sits at the intersection of both—and anything he does, even in his bedroom, becomes global conversation.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s approach to parenthood may be un

conventional, even provocative. But calling it a “fetish” may oversimplify a complex intersection of belief, power, legacy, and personal choice. Still, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of those with influence—and what kind of future they believe they’re building, not just with rockets, but with children.