Canadian pop singer Grimes expressed her disapproval of ex-partner Elon Musk bringing their son, X Æ A-12, to a press conference with former President Donald Trump at the White House. Responding to a commenter on social media, Grimes noted, “He should not be in public like this,” after being alerted that her son had been present at the event.
During the event, Musk and Trump defended the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Trump signing an executive order aimed at increasing the agency’s influence over federal agencies to facilitate workforce reductions. In a moment at the press conference, Trump introduced X Æ A-12, praising the boy’s intelligence.
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, shares three children with Musk, including Techno Mechanicus and Exa Dark Sideræl. The couple’s relationship lasted about three years before their split in 2021. Grimes has previously made headlines regarding her views on Musk’s actions and has faced backlash for her association with him, especially after he was criticized for a gesture resembling a Nazi salute at Trump’s inauguration.
In November, Grimes mentioned the difficulties she faced during a custody battle that prevented her from seeing one of her children for months, though the case was resolved in Texas court as of August.
This incident highlights the challenges and public scrutiny that often accompany high-profile relationships and parenting under the spotlight. Grimes’s concerns about her son’s public exposure resonate with many parents who value privacy for their children. As the dialogue continues around celebrity parenting and the demands of public life, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in navigating personal boundaries in the limelight.