Elon Musk’s Dad Denies His Son is Racist, Says He Was Friends With Their “Black Servants”

In a heated defense of his son, Errol Musk, father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has come forward to dismiss allegations of racism against the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. In a candid interview, Errol addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Elon’s upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa, insisting that his son was never a racist and that his childhood was marked by friendships with Black household staff.

The remarks come amidst heightened scrutiny over Elon Musk’s past and his views on race, particularly in light of recent social media clashes and statements regarding diversity policies in tech and business. Critics have long pointed to Musk’s privileged background in South Africa during a time of institutionalized racial segregation, raising questions about how those early experiences may have shaped his worldview.

Errol Musk, however, strongly refuted the accusations, arguing that his son was raised with a deep sense of fairness and respect for all people, regardless of their background. “Elon was always friendly with our Black servants,” Errol stated. “He played with them, spoke their language, and never saw them as anything less than friends.”

This comment, however, has sparked a fresh wave of controversy, with many questioning Errol’s choice of words and whether his defense inadvertently reinforces outdated and problematic narratives. Social media users and racial justice advocates were quick to respond, arguing that citing friendships with household staff in a deeply segregated society does little to dispel concerns about privilege or racial bias.

“Elon Musk’s father saying he had Black friends among their ‘servants’ isn’t the strong defense he thinks it is,” one Twitter user wrote. “This actually highlights the issue of racial inequality more than it refutes it.”

Despite the backlash, Errol Musk continued to emphasize that Elon was raised with values of inclusion and meritocracy. He recalled how, even as a young child, his son demonstrated an independent and analytical mindset, questioning societal norms and challenging authority figures, including his own father.

“Elon has always been a free thinker,” Errol said. “He never just accepted things as they were. He was never someone who judged people based on race, wealth, or status. He judged them by their intelligence, their work ethic, and their ability to solve problems.”

While Musk himself has not directly addressed his father’s recent statements, he has previously dismissed accusations of racism, pointing to Tesla’s diversity initiatives and his commitment to making technology accessible to all. However, his stance on social justice movements, including his criticisms of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, has drawn scrutiny from activists and industry leaders.

“Elon Musk has repeatedly positioned himself as a champion of meritocracy, but that doesn’t erase the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face,” said a civil rights expert in response to Errol’s comments. “Acknowledging privilege doesn’t mean personal fault, but it does mean recognizing the advantages that come with one’s background.”

Meanwhile, Musk supporters argue that his contributions to technology, space exploration, and sustainable energy speak louder than any controversies about his past. They highlight his philanthropic efforts, including his donations to educational programs, artificial intelligence research, and his vision for humanity’s future beyond Earth.

“Elon Musk is a global figure who is pushing humanity forward,” a Tesla investor commented. “People are trying to dig into his childhood to discredit him, but what matters is what he is doing now and in the future.”

As debates rage on, Errol Musk’s words have only fueled further discussion about race, privilege, and the complexities of growing up in apartheid South Africa. Whether his comments will help or harm his son’s reputation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Elon Musk’s past will continue to be a subject of intense public scrutiny as he remains one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the world today.