Full Breakdown
Elon Musk Documentary Sparks Controversy Over Alleged NDA and Custody Battle
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Release of Alex Gibney’s *Musk* and Ashley St. Clair’s Public Allegations
The four-hour documentary *Musk*, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, opened in U.S. theatres on October 9 after premiering at the Venice Film Festival. It features former conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair, who says she was offered a multi-million-dollar nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to stay silent about her relationship with Elon Musk and that she is now in a custody dispute over their son, Romulus. Musk has denied the NDA offer and attacked the documentary on X.
Background & Context
St. Clair rose to prominence in 2018 as a MAGA influencer, briefly aligning with Turning Point USA and publishing a controversial children’s book. She met Musk in 2023 after he followed her on X and invited her to Providence, Rhode Island. Their son, Romulus, was born in September 2024. Five months later St. Clair filed for sole custody, alleging financial retaliation from Musk, including a reduction in alimony that led to an eviction threat. The documentary gives her a platform to recount these events.
Data & Statistics
- Musk is reported to have 14 known children with four women.
- The film’s opening weekend generated $68,900 from four theatres, averaging $17,225 per screen.
- St. Clair alleges she was offered either $40 million (U.S. Today) or $15 million plus $100,000 monthly (Wall Street Journal) to sign an NDA.
Official Statements & Responses
Musk posted that he had paid St. Clair $2.5 million and was transferring $500,000 annually, without confirming paternity.
Gibney told The New York Times and Variety that the film traces how “money” became the “anomaly in the matrix” of American politics and exposes Musk’s “questionable means” of influence. He noted Musk refused interview requests, replying only with a tweet calling Gibney “a douche.”
Universal Pictures initially hesitated to release the film internationally, citing political concerns, but later confirmed a worldwide rollout.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I was to hazard a guess,” — Alex Gibney
- “I learned the term gaslighting through my relationship with Elon,” — Justine, E! Online
- “They found the anomaly in the matrix, which in the American political system is money,” — Alex Gibney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the alleged NDA size. U.S. Today reports a $40 million offer; Bluewin cites $15 million plus $100,000 monthly. Musk’s X post claims he paid $2.5 million and provides $500,000 annually, contradicting both figures. No court documents have been released to verify any agreement. The documentary’s text-message excerpts have not been independently authenticated.
What’s Next
The documentary is slated to stream on HBO in January 2026. Musk has filed legal notices against the producers, alleging defamation over the displayed messages. Both parties indicate further legal actions may follow, and the custody case remains pending in New York courts.