A video in which Elon Musk appears to leave his son behind while walking off a stage has gone viral.
The video, recorded during an event in January, has received more than 10 million views on social media, prompting comments from critics and supporters of the billionaire.
Newsweek has contacted Musk for comment via an email to the press team for X, formerly Twitter.
Why It Matters
In recent months, Musk has increased his public appearances with his children, taking X Æ A-Xii on trips to the White House, where he appeared alongside President Donald Trump.
However, the tech CEO has faced criticism over his parenting, including from his former partner Grimes. The Canadian singer with whom Musk shares three children accused the billionaire of failing to address a medical crisis involving one of their children. The viral video may add fuel to such criticisms.
What To Know
The video, captured during Trump's pre-inauguration rally in Washington, D.C., on January 20, resurfaced online shortly after Grimes wrote on social media that Musk had ignored a situation involving one of their children that required his "immediate attention."
On February 20, Grimes wrote, "I am sorry to do this publicly but it is no longer acceptable to ignore this situation." She added that the child would "suffer life long impairment" if Musk didn't respond quickly.
In the resurfaced video, Musk can be seen walking down a flight of stairs, while his son X Æ A-Xii trails behind. The video, posted on Sunday, has received more than 13 million views on X.
"Definitely a candidate for Father of the year—not," one viewer wrote.
"The lack of paternal instinct is concerning," another added, while a commenter said: "Parents are always looking back when their kids are behind them. However, if your toddler kid is walking down a flight of unfamiliar and metal stairs and you aren't next to him, I don't know what to say."
Other users defended Musk, with one writing, "His kid made it down the stairs."
Another said: "The video pans to a completely different staircase. You can't see if Elon stopped and waited for his son. This is a pathetic attempt at shaming a parent."
What People Are Saying
Grimes previously commented on social media about X Æ A-Xii's public appearances: "He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I'm glad he was polite. Sigh."
What Happens Next
Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is likely to continue appearing at political events. It remains to be seen whether his children will continue to appear alongside him.
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