Musk Faces Court Over Paternity Test Demand for 13th Child

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Elon Musk is set to appear in court on May 29 following a request from Ashley St. Clair, the mother of his 13th child, for sole custody and child support. The New York Supreme Court judge, Jeffrey H. Pearlman, will hear arguments regarding Musk’s potential paternity test and custody arrangements during the hearing.

In a court filing dated February 28, 2025, St. Clair’s attorneys claimed Musk has not accepted service of the court papers despite numerous attempts. “Despite requests, Mr. Musk has still not accepted service of the motion papers via his alleged attorneys, which is easy enough to do,” stated Karen B. Rosenthal, St. Clair’s attorney. She expressed concern that Musk’s avoidance of service has prolonged the legal proceedings and caused unnecessary distress.

St. Clair, a children’s book author, asserts that the New York County Courthouse is the appropriate jurisdiction for this case, citing that Musk has New York-based attorneys. In the filing, she noted, “We want to avoid attempting service at the White House and at other sensitive locations,” emphasizing the potential negative optics such attempts might have for Musk.

The legal battle revolves around St. Clair’s claim that she conceived their son, referred to by the initials R.S.C., in January 2024, and gave birth in September of that year. She alleges Musk has only met their child three times and has had no involvement in the child’s upbringing. Furthermore, St. Clair states that Musk was absent during the birth and has shown no interest in taking custody of R.S.C.

In her legal petition, St. Clair also included a screenshot of a text message from Musk after R.S.C.’s birth, where he allegedly stated, “I look forward to seeing you and him this weekend.” The text suggests some acknowledgment of his role, but St. Clair contends it has not translated into an active parenting relationship.

The custody application was filed shortly after St. Clair publicly acknowledged Musk as the father, making headlines with her announcement on February 14, 2025. “Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father,” she posted, revealing her motives to protect their child’s privacy.

In addition to the custody issues, St. Clair is also pursuing a paternity test to formally confirm Musk’s parentage, which could potentially compel him to provide child support. The upcoming court date will provide Musk the opportunity to present his case against paternity and support obligations.

Musk is already known as a father to several other children and has faced scrutiny over his parenting commitments and financial responsibilities. According to previous statements by him, he claims to have fulfilled financial obligations regarding child support, although this has been disputed.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties may find themselves navigating the complexities of family law while addressing claims of parental involvement and responsibilities directly within the court system.