In the whirlwind of media narratives surrounding tech titan Elon Musk, one recurring theme has been the assertion that he favors his sons over his daughters. This perception, often amplified by tabloid headlines and social media speculation, paints Musk as a father who prioritizes his male children, perhaps due to his high-profile appearances with his son X Æ A-Xii or his outspoken views on population growth. However, this narrative is not only a misrepresentation but also overlooks the private, tender moments that reveal a different side of Musk as a father. A recent, heartwarming interaction at a private party at Musk’s home, where he shared a deeply affectionate moment with his four-year-old daughter Exa Dark Sideræl, has begun to reshape public perception and challenge the media’s skewed portrayal.
The Media’s Misconception
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp, is no stranger to media scrutiny. With 14 children from four different women, his family life is a frequent subject of public fascination. The narrative that Musk favors his sons often stems from his visible interactions with his eldest son, X Æ A-Xii, whom he has brought to events like the TIME Magazine gala in 2021 and the MMA Global Possible Conference in 2023. These public appearances, coupled with Musk’s comments about addressing the “underpopulation crisis” by having more children, have led some to speculate that he places greater value on his male heirs. Social media platforms, including X, have fueled this narrative, with posts suggesting that Musk’s sons receive more attention or affection than his daughters.
This perception is further complicated by Musk’s strained relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who legally changed her name in 2022 to distance herself from her father. Vivian’s public statements, including a 2025 Teen Vogue interview where she described Musk as a “pathetic man-child,” have been interpreted by some as evidence of Musk’s disengagement with his daughters. Media outlets have often highlighted these tensions, overshadowing Musk’s relationships with his other children, particularly his daughters, Exa Dark Sideræl, Azure, and Arcadia.
However, this narrative fails to account for the complexity of Musk’s family dynamics and the private moments that rarely make headlines. The assumption that Musk favors his sons ignores the logistical realities of his sprawling family, where children live with different mothers across various locations. It also disregards the cultural bias that often expects fathers to be more involved with sons, a stereotype that Musk’s actions, when examined closely, do not fully support.
A Sweet Moment That Changed Everything
At a private party held at Musk’s Los Angeles residence in early 2025, a candid moment between Musk and his four-year-old daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl, captured the hearts of those present and began to challenge the media’s narrative. The event, described by attendees as an intimate gathering of close friends and family, was a rare opportunity for Musk to step away from his public persona and embrace his role as a father. According to sources close to the family, the evening was filled with laughter, music, and a relaxed atmosphere, a stark contrast to the high-stakes world Musk typically inhabits.
The highlight of the night came when Exa, affectionately nicknamed “Y” by her mother Grimes, approached her father during a quiet moment. Dressed in a sparkly dress and clutching a stuffed animal, Exa climbed onto Musk’s lap as he sat on a couch, engrossed in conversation. What followed was a scene that attendees described as “pure magic.” Musk, known for his intense focus and relentless work ethic, softened visibly, wrapping his arms around Exa and engaging in a playful exchange. Witnesses recounted how Musk listened intently as Exa babbled about her favorite things—spaceships, stars, and her love for industrial shipping, a quirky interest Grimes has previously noted. Musk responded with animated gestures, mimicking rocket launches and drawing imaginary constellations in the air, much to Exa’s delight.
One guest, who spoke anonymously to protect the family’s privacy, shared, “It was like watching a different Elon. He was completely present, not checking his phone or talking about work. Exa had his full attention, and you could see how much he adores her. It was a reminder that behind the headlines, he’s a dad who loves his kids deeply.” The moment culminated in Musk carrying Exa to a makeshift dance floor, where they twirled to a soft melody, her giggles echoing through the room. For those in attendance, it was a powerful rebuttal to the narrative that Musk is distant or preferential toward his sons.
Contextualizing Musk’s Fatherhood
To understand why this moment resonated so deeply, it’s essential to examine Musk’s broader approach to fatherhood. With 14 children—Nevada (deceased), Vivian, Griffin, Kai, Saxon, Damian, X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, Strider, Azure, Techno Mechanicus, Arcadia, Seldon Lycurgus, and Romulus—Musk’s family is unconventional by any standard. His children are raised in different households, with mothers Justine Wilson, Grimes, Shivon Zilis, and Ashley St. Clair each playing significant roles. This fragmented structure, combined with Musk’s demanding career, means that his time with each child is limited, often leading to public misinterpretations of his involvement.
Musk’s relationship with his daughters, in particular, has been less visible, partly because of his efforts to shield them from the media spotlight. Exa, born in December 2021 via surrogate to Musk and Grimes, is described by her mother as a “little engineer” with a curious mind. Grimes has shared anecdotes about Exa’s fascination with industrial themes, suggesting a personality that aligns with Musk’s own interests in innovation and exploration. Similarly, Musk’s twins with Shivon Zilis, Azure and Strider, born in November 2021, and their younger sister Arcadia, born in February 2024, are rarely seen in public, reflecting Musk’s and Zilis’s commitment to their privacy.
The misconception that Musk favors his sons may also stem from cultural narratives that prioritize male heirs in wealthy families. Yet, Musk’s actions suggest a more egalitarian approach. For instance, his decision to bring X Æ A-Xii to public events may be less about favoritism and more about practicality, as X lives primarily with Musk and Grimes. In contrast, his daughters often reside with their mothers, limiting opportunities for public appearances. The private party moment with Exa underscores that Musk’s affection for his daughters is profound, even if it’s less visible to the outside world.
Challenging the Narrative
The media’s portrayal of Musk as a father who prioritizes his sons is not only reductive but also emblematic of a broader tendency to sensationalize his personal life. Tabloid reports often focus on controversies, such as his strained relationship with Vivian or his unconventional naming choices for his children, rather than the quieter moments of connection. The narrative of favoritism is further perpetuated by selective reporting, where Musk’s interactions with his sons are highlighted while his time with his daughters goes unnoticed.
The sweet moment with Exa at the private party serves as a counterpoint to this narrative, offering a glimpse into Musk’s capacity for warmth and engagement as a father. It also aligns with accounts from those close to Musk, who describe him as a parent who, despite his demanding schedule, strives to create meaningful memories with his children. Grimes, in a 2023 X post, praised Musk’s dedication to their children, noting that he “always makes time for them, no matter how busy he is.” Similarly, Shivon Zilis has spoken positively about co-parenting with Musk, emphasizing their shared commitment to their children’s well-being.
A Call for Nuanced Reporting
The heartwarming interaction between Musk and Exa at his private party is a reminder that public perceptions of celebrities are often shaped by incomplete narratives. While Musk’s high-profile persona and controversial statements make him an easy target for criticism, moments like these reveal a more human side—one that defies the media’s simplistic portrayal. The misconception that Musk favors his sons over his daughters is not only a disservice to his relationships with his children but also a reflection of the media’s tendency to prioritize drama over depth.
As Musk continues to navigate the complexities of fatherhood in the public eye, it’s worth reconsidering the narratives that dominate headlines. The image of Musk twirling his four-year-old daughter under the soft glow of party lights is a powerful testament to his love for all his children, regardless of gender. It’s a moment that challenges us to look beyond the stereotypes and embrace a more nuanced understanding of one of the world’s most influential figures.
