Errol Musk, the 79-year-old father of billionaire Elon Musk, has given a rare interview to 7NEWS Spotlight, addressing allegations of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and his controversial parenting style. Speaking from his home in Langebaan, South Africa, Musk Snr denied claims that he abused his former stepdaughter Jana Bezuidenhout, with whom he fathered two children.
When asked about allegations that he sexually abused five of his children or stepchildren, including Jana, Musk Snr said, “I didn’t get her pregnant. She got herself pregnant. We had a relationship.” He described helping Jana years later when she was destitute, providing her with a vehicle and financial support. He dismissed the abuse claims as attempts to extract money from his son Elon.
Musk Snr also defended his parenting after Elon described him as “evil” and a “terrible human being.” He said, “I don’t know what he’s talking about. It’s not true.” He added, “I had to raise men, not sissies,” and noted that he sent Elon to America alone at age 17, confident he would succeed.
Regarding the 1998 shooting of three intruders at his Johannesburg home, Musk Snr said he fired only two shots, killing three men after they attacked him. He also made controversial remarks about crime in Langebaan, describing it as a “more European, white community” with low crime.
Despite the allegations, Musk Snr maintained he has a “clean slate” and would not change anything about his life. He continues to communicate with Elon via email on a monthly basis.
