In a stunning and candid interview aired this week on South Africa’s eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), Errol Musk, the often elusive and controversial father of tech billionaire Elon Musk, finally broke his silence on his son’s increasingly turbulent public life. What started as a discussion about family roots quickly turned into a bombshell-laden exposé on the world’s richest man, his fractured family dynamics, and the immense psychological toll of global fame.

Errol, a retired engineer living in Langebaan, South Africa, did not hold back. From concerns about Elon’s mental health to his political meddling and personal isolation, the elder Musk painted a picture of a son who may be on the verge of burnout—and more vulnerable than the public realizes.

So what exactly did Errol say? Why is he speaking out now? And how might this interview shape perceptions of Elon Musk, a man already at the center of political, corporate, and technological storms?

Let’s dive into the details.

A Father’s Frustration: “He’s Taken On Too Much”

Errol Musk began the interview by acknowledging the obvious: his son Elon has achieved extraordinary things. “He’s done what no one thought possible,” Errol said, citing Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and Starlink as accomplishments that have redefined multiple industries.

But that admiration quickly gave way to deep concern.

“He’s taken on too much. He doesn’t sleep. He’s aging quickly, and honestly—I worry for his safety,” Errol said.

When pressed by interviewer Sibusiso Mkhize on what he meant by “safety,” Errol elaborated:

“He’s making too many enemies. Governments, corporate giants, intelligence agencies even—don’t think they’re not watching him. He’s poked too many bears.”

Errol described a man living under constant surveillance, deeply paranoid about leaks within his own companies, and increasingly isolated from both family and friends.

The Family Rift: “We Don’t Speak Often Anymore”

One of the most jarring revelations was the deterioration of Elon’s relationship with his father. Despite their once-close bond—Elon reportedly lived with Errol after his parents’ divorce—the two now barely speak.

“We haven’t had a real conversation in over a year,” Errol admitted. “He keeps his distance. I understand why, but it still hurts.”

He hinted that the strain may be due in part to Errol’s past media comments and the controversy surrounding his personal life—including having a child with his former stepdaughter, Jana Bezuidenhout.

But Errol also blamed Elon’s obsession with control.

“Elon doesn’t trust people. He sees loyalty as conditional. And in his world, if you’re not 100% with him, you’re against him.”

Mental Health and the “Burden of Being Elon”

Perhaps the most alarming portion of the interview focused on Elon’s mental state.

Errol claimed that Elon suffers from what he called “genius syndrome”—a mix of hyper-intelligence, emotional detachment, and self-imposed pressure that creates an unrelenting psychological burden.

“People think being a genius is fun. It’s not. It’s lonely. It’s painful. Especially when the whole world either worships you or wants to destroy you.”

He claimed that Elon’s constant battles—with regulators, media critics, activist shareholders, and even governments—have left him emotionally exhausted.

“Don’t let the tweets fool you,” Errol warned. “Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of darkness.”

While Elon has spoken publicly about having Asperger’s syndrome (now known as autism spectrum disorder), Errol suggested his son also struggles with severe anxiety and “periodic depressive episodes.”

The Political Crossroads: “He’s Playing a Dangerous Game”

In recent years, Elon Musk has increasingly inserted himself into political discourse—criticizing President Biden, championing controversial figures, hosting far-right influencers on X (formerly Twitter), and even hinting at backing a third-party movement for 2026 or 2028.

Errol thinks it’s a mistake.

“He’s not a politician. He’s a builder, a dreamer. Getting involved in all this political nonsense will only destroy him.”

When asked whether Elon had any presidential ambitions, Errol laughed but didn’t entirely dismiss the idea.

“He likes to flirt with power. But America wouldn’t allow it. He wasn’t born there. Still, that won’t stop him from trying to shape the outcome.”

He also expressed concern that Elon’s platform, X, is becoming a vehicle for disinformation and extremism, and that his son is “too stubborn to see how much damage it’s doing.”

Is Elon Truly Alone?

One of the more emotional moments came when Errol was asked about Elon’s personal life—particularly his relationships, or lack thereof.

“He’s alone. He has children, yes, but he doesn’t have a partner he really trusts. He’s surrounded by people who depend on him, but that’s not the same as love.”

Errol criticized Elon’s high-profile relationships with actresses and musicians (such as Grimes and Amber Heard), saying they were “fun, but never going to last.”

He also hinted that Elon’s wealth and fame have made it “almost impossible” for him to form genuine connections.

“Everyone wants something from him. No one can just be with him for who he is.”

The Children: “They Barely Know Me”

Errol Musk also shared that he has limited contact with many of his grandchildren, including those born through surrogacy and IVF.

“I’ve never met some of them. It’s heartbreaking.”

He lamented that Elon’s family life has become fragmented and transactional, driven more by legacy and genetics than emotional bonds.

“Even his kids—some are being raised by nannies and tech teams. That’s not family. That’s a dynasty in the making.”

Why Speak Now?

Why is Errol Musk choosing to speak now, after years of relative silence?

“I’ve stayed quiet for a long time,” he said. “But things are getting out of control. He’s not Superman. He’s my son. And I’m scared for him.”

Some critics suggest Errol’s motivations may be self-serving or opportunistic. After all, the Musk family has long been plagued by internal feuds and public drama. But others see a father grappling with the fear that his son is spiraling, and that no one around him has the courage—or access—to stop it.

The Public Reaction

Within hours of the interview airing, clips were already trending on X. Responses ranged from sympathy to outrage.

One viral comment read:

“Finally, someone says it: Elon Musk is not okay.”

Another post pushed back:

“Errol Musk is the last person who should be commenting on parenting.”

Public opinion remains divided. While many acknowledge Elon’s brilliance, his erratic behavior and growing power have sparked concern even among his former allies.

Final Thoughts: The Human Behind the Headlines

Elon Musk is a symbol—of innovation, disruption, chaos, and genius. But he is also, as this interview reminded the world, a son, a father, and a man under extraordinary pressure.

Errol Musk’s interview pulled back the curtain on the personal cost of being the most talked-about man on Earth. It painted a picture not of a villain or a hero, but of someone who might be losing himself in the process of trying to save the world.

Whether or not Errol’s words will reach Elon is unknown. But one thing is clear:

The people closest to Elon Musk are worried—and maybe we all should be too.