Elon Musk has said he intends to seek full custody of his one-year-old son, Romulus, amid a public dispute with the child’s mother, author and influencer Ashley St. Clair.

The Tesla and SpaceX chief made the statement on January 12, 2026, in a post on X. Musk was responding to a user who suggested he had already filed for full custody. In his reply, he confirmed his intention to take legal action.

Romulus is the son of Musk and 27-year-old St. Clair, who revealed in February 2025 that she had given birth to a baby in September 2024 and that Musk was the father. At the time, she said she had initially kept the information private to protect her child’s safety and wellbeing. In her post, she wrote, “Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father. I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child’s privacy and safety.”

Musk’s comments followed a recent public apology issued by St. Clair regarding past remarks she had made about the transgender community. Responding to criticism online, she expressed regret and acknowledged the potential impact of her words on Musk’s transgender daughter, Vivian. In her apology, she wrote: “I feel immense guilt for my role. And even more guilt that things I have said in the past may have caused my son’s sister more pain.”

St. Clair added that she had been attempting to educate herself and privately support the trans community, while also expressing concern that her apology might be viewed as insincere due to the political climate.