Grimes Shares Financial Struggles Amid Custody Dispute with Elon Musk

Claire Elise Boucher, known by her stage name Grimes, has publicly spoken about her financial struggles and emotional turmoil amidst a custody battle with billionaire Elon Musk. The artist, who shares three children with the Tesla CEO, found herself embroiled in legal disputes over custody in California and Texas during 2023.

Grimes detailed her experience on social media, expressing that the legal battle had significantly impacted her ability to focus on her artistic projects. «The threat of losing your kids while going bankrupt fighting for them is not very conducive to creative thoughts,» Grimes wrote in response to a fan’s question about her recent lack of new releases. She further elaborated that the ordeal left her feeling emotionally drained, stating, «I just slept and cried every minute I wasn’t explicitly fighting for my kids during that year,» reflecting on the stress of the situation.

The custody dispute centers around the couple’s children, X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Techno Mechanicus. Legal proceedings were complicated by divergent state laws in California and Texas, which utilize the same standard of children’s best interests in custody decisions. However, the financial implications differ, as Texas caps child-support payments, potentially reducing Musk’s liability compared to California’s system.

Grimes indicated that the conflict had strained her relationship with Musk, revealing on social media that she felt outmatched by Musk’s resources and influence. She lamented, «Spent a year locked in battle in a state with terrible mothers’ rights,» and disclosed a prolonged period without seeing one of her children.

In one instance, a post on X, formerly Twitter, penned by Grimes in September 2023, demanded that Musk allow her access to one of their children, highlighting the personal distress and legal wrangling involved.

Despite the ongoing legal uncertainties, the pair appeared to maintain a semblance of cordiality in public interactions, as evidenced by a brief exchange on the platform in April. Nonetheless, prior posts from Grimes suggested ongoing issues, including claims that Musk was withholding their children from her family.

In recent developments, Musk’s engagements have extended into the political realm, underscoring his involvement in government reform initiatives alongside public figures like President-elect Donald Trump. This involvement further complicates the personal dynamics surrounding the custody dispute.

Grimes and Musk’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation. The resolution of the Texas lawsuit remains undocuemented publicly as it was closed, according to updates from Business Insider.