Elon Musk's Ex Makes Shocking 'Gatling Gun of Sperm' Claim, Says He Wanted a 'Legion' of Kids

Elon Musk's private life has come under renewed scrutiny following claims from his former partner Ashley St. Clair about his approach to having children. St. Clair says Musk told her he wanted a 'legion of children' before a future civil war.

She also described messages allegedly sent by Musk to women interested in having children with him as a 'Gatling gun of sperm' in his DMs. Her comments appear in Musk, a nearly four-hour documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney. The film examines Musk's personal life, business empire and political influence.

St. Clair Describes Musk's Desire for More Children

St. Clair, 28, had a son with Musk in 2024. Their relationship and the circumstances surrounding their child are examined in Gibney's documentary. Speaking at the film's Venice premiere on 8 September, St. Clair said Musk had told her he wanted a child because he needed a 'legion of children' before the civil war.

The claim is based on St. Clair's account of a private message and has not been independently established. The documentary also examines Musk's other children and relationships. Musk has publicly acknowledged children with several women, including musician Grimes, his former wife Justine Musk, and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. The Washington Post reported that the documentary refers to 14 known children while suggesting there could be more.

The 'Gatling Gun' Remark

St. Clair also describes what she says was a pattern of Musk approaching women about having children. In the documentary, she compares the alleged messages to a 'Gatling gun of sperm' in his direct messages. The phrase has drawn attention because it captures her description of Musk's alleged approach to fatherhood.

The film places her account alongside reporting and interviews about Musk's views on population growth and his relationships with the mothers of his children. However, St. Clair's account should not be presented as an established fact about Musk's private intentions. She is describing her own experiences and conversations with him.

Disputed NDA Claims

St. Clair also discusses an alleged non-disclosure agreement following the end of her relationship with Musk. At the Venice Film Festival, she said she had been offered $40 million for the opportunity not to speak publicly. Reuters and other outlets reported her comments.

The figures surrounding the alleged arrangement differ in published accounts. The Washington Post reported that the documentary describes an offer of $15 million plus $100,000 a month for 21 years in exchange for an NDA. The $40 million figure should therefore not be presented as a confirmed offer. Musk has denied making the alleged offer, leaving the matter disputed.

Musk Did Not Take Part in the Film

Gibney has said Musk was approached during the making of the documentary but did not participate. The film instead relies on interviews with people who know Musk, public footage, and other material. It also uses an AI-generated avatar based on genuine public statements by Musk. The filmmakers said they consulted lawyers about the use of the avatar.

Musk has criticised the documentary, describing it as a hit piece. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, has also threatened legal action over aspects of the film, according to reporting from the Toronto International Film Festival.

A Film About Musk's Private and Public Life

Musk goes beyond the billionaire's family life, examining his rise through technology, his companies and his growing public influence. The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 8 September before screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is scheduled for a theatrical release in October.

St. Clair's account of Musk wanting a 'legion of children' before a future civil war remains an allegation based on her description of a private conversation. The documentary presents that account as part of a broader examination of Musk's family life, business career, and public influence.