Elon Musk’s alleged child with Japanese pop star sparks online storm in Japan

The claim by conservative influencer Ashley St Clair has fuelled speculation and debate over the billionaire’s growing family

A claim by one of Elon Musk’s former partners that he fathered a child with a Japanese pop star has ignited a storm of speculation online in Japan, fuelling debate over celebrity privacy, reproductive ethics and the billionaire’s growing brood.

The allegation was made by Ashley St Clair – a conservative US influencer and mother of the Tesla CEO’s 14th known child – in a New York Times report published on Friday. According to the newspaper, St Clair said Musk had confided in her that he had fathered children around the world, including with a Japanese pop star, although he did not identify the woman.

“He made it seem like it was just his altruism and he generally believed these people should just have children,” St Clair was quoted as saying. She also alleged that Musk had expressed concern over declining birth rates and indicated he was willing to donate sperm to anyone who asked.

Her claims have not been independently verified, and the identity of the Japanese pop star remains undisclosed. Musk has not publicly commented on the claim.

Even so, the story has captured public attention in Japan, though mainstream media and commentators have been careful to avoid naming anyone thus far.

“It is embarrassing to even pry into this kind of thing,” comedian Hiroiki Ariyoshi said on his Sunday evening radio programme, to laughter from his fellow presenters.

“Because, given his age, there are only a limited number of stars [around that age] who sing pop songs,” he added. “There are only about three diva-like people, right? But I think it is possible that Musk is just showing off.

“In fact, he may be flirting with a Japanese pop star and is actually a secret idol fan.”

Online debate has been far less restrained. While some users responded with amusement or mockery, others expressed deep concern over the implications of the billionaire’s purported reproductive philosophy.

“It’s simply disgusting, but more than that I think it’s dangerous for the Earth for so many people to have inherited this man’s genes and characteristics,” read one comment on the Nikkan Sports website, adding that Musk has a “harem mindset.”

“We are seeing problems with dictatorships and despotism already and the power of this one man could potentially exceed that of a nation,” the message added. “Measures need to be taken quickly.”

Another message said, “I personally do not think it is right to have children as a tool. It is better to give birth and raise them properly.”

Several users accused Musk of treating his children as “props” or “products of a rich man’s whim”, while some predicted bitter disputes over inheritance between the many half-siblings after he dies.

Musk is known to have at least 14 children with four women, though speculation persists that the true number may be higher.

Musk has long expressed concern about declining global birth rates, frequently advocating for larger families and encouraging others to have children. Last year during a virtual appearance at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he emphasized this point, stating: “If you don’t make new humans, there’s no humanity, and all the policies in the world don’t matter.”