By [mc]

Nationwide — Errol Musk, the father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, is facing public backlash after making controversial remarks in an effort to defend his son against accusations of racism. In a recent interview, Errol downplayed allegations aimed at Elon by referencing their family’s relationships with Black servants during apartheid-era South Africa, a defense that many have found problematic and tone-deaf.

According to a report by NewsOne, Errol Musk described the racism accusations as “political nonsense,” asserting that Elon had friendly relationships with the Black staff who worked in their home during his childhood. “We had Black servants, and Elon was friends with them,” Errol reportedly said.

The statement has been widely condemned as reflecting outdated and racially insensitive thinking, particularly given South Africa’s historical context. During apartheid, a government-enforced system of racial segregation and oppression from 1948 to the early 1990s, the concept of “friendship” between white families and Black domestic workers often existed under deeply unequal and exploitative circumstances.

Critics argue that Errol Musk’s comments are not only dismissive of systemic racism but also fail to address the complexities of racial power dynamics under apartheid. Many see his remarks as minimizing the impact of one of the most oppressive regimes in modern history.

Further fueling the backlash, Errol described South Africa under apartheid as a “well-run, law-abiding country” with “virtually no crime.” These comments have been criticized for glorifying a regime that systematically disenfranchised and brutalized the non-white majority.

“Statements like these perpetuate harmful myths about apartheid,” said Dr. Zanele Mkhize, a historian and human rights advocate based in Johannesburg. “They suggest that law and order are more valuable than justice, and they erase the lived experiences of millions who suffered under racial segregation.”

The controversy surrounding Errol Musk’s defense of his son adds another layer to the ongoing public scrutiny of Elon Musk’s personal history, views, and behavior. Elon, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has faced growing criticism over his stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in light of recent company policy shifts and social media activity.

While Elon Musk has not publicly commented on his father’s latest remarks, the strained nature of their relationship has been well documented. Elon has previously distanced himself from his father, describing him as a difficult figure. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Elon said, “He was such a terrible human being. You have no idea.”

The elder Musk, however, has frequently inserted himself into media conversations involving his son. Over the years, Errol has made headlines for a series of controversial claims, including the assertion that Elon’s early business ventures were supported by the family’s wealth—specifically from an alleged emerald mine in Zambia. Elon has denied these claims, stating there is no evidence of his father owning or profiting from such a mine.

In defending his son from racism allegations, Errol appears to have reignited rather than quelled public discourse about the Musk family’s past and Elon’s public persona. For critics, the remarks are not just a personal misstep but part of a larger pattern of failing to confront or understand the implications of race, privilege, and history.

Civil rights advocates and public commentators have called on Elon Musk to clarify his own stance in light of his father’s comments. “It’s not enough to remain silent when harmful narratives are being spread in your name,” said Maya Johnson, a DEI consultant and former university lecturer. “Elon Musk has an enormous platform and influence. How he chooses to respond—or not respond—matters.”

The controversy comes at a time when discussions about race, privilege, and historical accountability are increasingly central to public discourse, especially among high-profile business leaders. As corporate America grapples with its approach to DEI, figures like Musk face heightened scrutiny over how their personal histories and corporate policies align with broader social values.

While Errol Musk may have intended to shield his son from criticism, the outcome has instead intensified public interest in the Musk family’s past and Elon’s views on racial equity. As debates continue, the episode underscores the risks of defending complex issues with oversimplified narratives—and the growing public demand for transparency, accountability, and awareness from those in positions of power.