Ashley St. Clair says she turned down a $40 million offer to stay silent about her relationship with Elon Musk. She made the claim at the Venice Film Festival on September 8, where Alex Gibney’s documentary “Musk” premiered, and the film opened in U.S. theaters on October 9.
AP describes her as once a conservative influencer who shares a child with Musk. It says she discussed a nondisclosure agreement she was asked, and refused, to sign to guarantee paternity support. AP quotes her saying, “I was offered the opportunity not to speak for $40 million.” Variety calls it an alleged payday.
Who made the offer
Screen Daily reports that she says the offer came through Jared Birchall, described as Musk’s longtime business manager, on behalf of Elon. That is her account. We found no response from Birchall in the reports we read.
Musk’s response
Gizmodo reported on September 9 that Musk replied on X that she “was never offered that and has a history of making false claims.” Gizmodo notes it is unclear whether he denies the figure or any offer at all.
What the reports do not agree on
Outlets describe the terms differently. AP ties the agreement to paternity support, while other reports describe a deal about not discussing the relationship. Because the terms vary, the only safe figure is that she says it was about $40 million. The Daily Beast reported that a Musk representative did not respond to an email seeking comment on the film.
Our take: two accounts directly conflict, and the reports we read show no contract or message to settle it. Her claim is on the record at a public press event, and so is his denial. The details that would help, such as who made the offer and in what form, are not confirmed by anyone but her. Related reading: Justine Musk Claims Elon Cut Daughter’s Health Insurance.
