Justine Musk, former wife of Elon Musk, has opened up about her relationship with the tech entrepreneur in a new documentary directed by Alex Gibney. The film, titled simply *Musk*, offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the world’s most famous billionaires and is set to be released in cinemas on October 16.
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In her interview for the documentary, Justine mused about her tumultuous marriage to Elon, revealing that she first encountered the concept of “gaslighting” while they were together. The couple, who tied the knot in 2000 and share six children, faced significant hardships during their time as a family. Among the more poignant moments discussed was the tragic loss of their first child, Nevada, who passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just 10 weeks old. Justine recalled the emotional turmoil surrounding Nevada’s death, including her frustration over a social media post in which Elon suggested that he was the one holding Nevada at the time of death, when in fact it was her.
The documentary, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 8, also reveals insights into Elon’s personality and behaviour, particularly during their early marriage. Justine recounted how Elon’s perception of his image extended to his wardrobe choices, stating, “He would often say, ‘I can’t look cool or hip, because I need to look like an engineer.’” This sentiment highlights the pressures he felt even in his personal presentation.
Another revealing moment from their wedding was when Elon asserted his dominance by stating, “I am the alpha in this relationship.” Justine reflected on these words with candour, elaborating that she often felt undermined and belittled by him. “He was constantly remarking on the ways he found me lacking,” she shared, adding that this dynamic contributed to her feeling insignificant within their partnership.
Justine’s participation in Gibney’s film marks a rare moment of introspection regarding her marriage, as she has spoken about it sparingly in public forums since their divorce in 2008. Following the loss of Nevada, the couple welcomed five more children, including twins Vivian and Griffin in 2004. The documentary further references their daughter Vivian, who recently came out as transgender.
The film reveals a strained relationship between Elon and Vivian, particularly after she publicly announced her gender identity. According to Justine, after Vivian came out, Elon allegedly cut off her health insurance, demonstrating a lack of support. Justine stated, “Elon has never tried to repair things with her. It’s not in his nature,” indicating a level of disappointment regarding how family matters have been handled.
In light of these remarks, Justine disclosed that Elon asked her to convey a message of love to Vivian, despite their fractured relationship. “Tell her that I’ll always love her,” she said he instructed, casting a shadow over the sincerity of the gesture.
Gibney’s film features additional commentary from various individuals in Elon’s life, including his father, Errol Musk, and Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard. Notably, Elon himself did not contribute to the documentary, having labelled it as a “hit piece” on social media platform X. He has previously expressed a generally positive sentiment about Justine, calling her “an amazing woman” earlier this year.
As the premiere of *Musk* approaches, it has sparked a conversation about the complexities of familial relationships, particularly within the realm of the extraordinarily wealthy. Justine’s reflections shed light not only on her personal experiences but also on broader themes regarding gender dynamics, mental health, and the impacts of fame.
The documentary is anticipated to generate significant discussion and controversy, given the powerful figures it explores. With Gibney at the helm, known for his previous critical works such as *Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room* and *Taxi to the Dark Side*, audiences are likely to be treated to a nuanced examination of the man behind the Tesla brand.
In an era where personal narratives increasingly shape public perception, Justine Musk’s participation in Gibney’s documentary serves as both a testament to her resilience and an unsettling look at the interpersonal dynamics within one of the most influential families of our time.