The media has always had a fascination with portraying tension and estrangement in high-profile families. Conflict sells, and it makes for captivating headlines. However, in reality, these portrayals are often exaggerated or outdated. A perfect example is the narrative surrounding my relationship with my sons. While reports frequently suggest we are estranged, the truth is much more nuanced and far less dramatic.

In 2016, when I turned 70, my sons visited me in South Africa, accompanied by an entourage that included the cast of The Jungle Book movie. It was a memorable gathering filled with fascinating people, including actors like Scarlett Johansson and Amber Heard, as well as the film’s director, Jon Favreau. The group took over a restaurant in Cape Town, celebrating with a lively and engaging lunch. It was a clear sign that we were very much in contact and capable of enjoying each other’s company despite the narratives pushed by the media.

During this lunch, an unexpected political discussion took center stage. At the time, the United States was six months away from electing Donald Trump as president. Given my life experiences in South Africa, where crime and instability are major concerns, my perspective on leadership and governance naturally differs from those who live in more stable environments. Jon Favreau, seemingly curious, asked me about my views on Trump, prompting laughter from many at the table. Among the attendees were high-profile figures, including one of the owners of Google, who found my response amusing, if not surprising.

I explained that political perspectives depend largely on one’s environment. Living in a country where crime is rampant, where carrying a firearm for self-defense is a necessity, and where basic government functions are deteriorating, leads to a different outlook on leadership. My military background and firsthand experiences with security challenges further shape my opinions, which may not align with those of people living in more secure and prosperous regions.

This exchange, however, led to tensions between my sons and me. After the lunch, they expressed their disapproval of my views, particularly Elon and Kimbal, who found my comments embarrassing. Elon went as far as calling me “evil” for expressing support for Trump, while Kimbal, who rarely swears, was unusually vocal in his frustration. Their reaction was a stark reminder of how political discourse can divide even the closest of families.

Despite these disagreements, the notion that we are completely estranged is an oversimplification. Families, particularly those in the public eye, experience disagreements, but that does not mean relationships are irreparably broken. The media tends to amplify conflicts while overlooking moments of connection and reconciliation.

Ultimately, family bonds are complex, shaped by differing life experiences, personal values, and worldviews. While disagreements may arise, they do not necessarily define an entire relationship. The media’s tendency to focus on conflict does a disservice to the reality of familial ties—ones that, despite tensions, often endure and evolve over time.