Grimes Reveals 5-Month Separation from Child Amid Ongoing Custody Battle with Elon Musk.

Grimes, 36, the artist known for hits like "Genesis," has publicly shared the emotional and challenging experience of being unable to see one of her children with former partner Elon Musk, 53, for five months during their ongoing custody battle. The couple, who shares three children—X Æ A-Xii (4), Exa Dark Sideræl (3), and Techno Mechanicus (2)—have been involved in legal disputes since their separation in 2022 after a four-year relationship.

Elon Musk and Grimes attend the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala, 2018

The "Genesis" singer claimed she didn't see one of her children with ex Elon Musk—son X Æ A-Xii, 4, daughter Exa Dark Sideræl, 3, and son Techno Mechanicus, 2—for five months amid their ongoing custody battle. The couple split in 2022 after four years of dating.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on November 25, Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, detailed the struggles she faced throughout the custody proceedings, claiming that she had "not seen one of my children for five months." She also described the difficulty of battling in a state with “terrible mothers' rights,” noting how her social media posts and modeling work were used as reasons to question her ability to parent. Grimes expressed that she felt the custody battle was made even harder by the disparity in resources, intelligence, and strategic experience between herself and Musk, the Tesla CEO and father of nine children.

Grimes Reflects on Challenges and New Creative Energy

Despite the emotional toll of the custody dispute, Grimes highlighted her personal growth through the ordeal. In her post, she described how the challenges she faced over the past year have fueled her creativity, leading to the production of her upcoming album. Grimes expressed a sense of empowerment, stating, "I feel on top of the world right now," and reflecting on the emotional transformation she’s experienced.

 

The artist emphasized that the custody battle and her experiences as a mother have reshaped her perspectives on life, with motherhood imparting profound lessons. “Having babies rips you apart and puts you back together,” Grimes explained, reflecting on how her children have taught her invaluable lessons that extend far beyond traditional life experiences.

Ongoing Legal Dispute and Public Tensions

Grimes and Elon Musk’s legal conflict, which began in October 2023, has been a subject of public interest and scrutiny. Grimes filed a petition to assert her parental rights, and the legal proceedings have taken place in both California and Texas. However, much of the case remains sealed, preventing full public disclosure of the details.

Elon Musk has not made any public comments about the ongoing custody case. However, Grimes' mother, Sandy Garossino, has made her own public plea. In a heartfelt letter posted on X in July, Garossino appealed to Musk, claiming that he had been withholding the passports of Grimes' children, thereby preventing them from visiting their ailing great-grandmother.

“I write with a grandmother’s plea,” Garossino wrote. "Please Elon, I beg you. This is so painful for my mother, and concerning for the kids. Time is of the essence now.” The letter emphasized the emotional distress caused by the situation, calling for Musk to honor his previous agreement and allow the children to travel.

The Impact of the Custody Battle on Grimes' Personal and Artistic Life

Amidst the ongoing legal tensions, Grimes has made it clear that her personal journey—marked by struggles and growth—has given her new perspectives on art and life. Her reflections on ego death, rebirth, and motherhood suggest that the hardships she has faced have only strengthened her creative spirit. As she moves forward with her music career, Grimes remains focused on producing work that reflects her experiences, including her ongoing journey through the complexities of motherhood and the ongoing custody battle with Elon Musk.

Elon Musk and Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, began their relationship in 2018, after connecting over Twitter through a shared interest in a joke about artificial intelligence. Grimes, a Canadian musician known for her experimental pop music, and Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, formed a high-profile and often publicized relationship. They were first spotted together at the Met Gala in May 2018, where their unconventional pairing turned heads.

Their relationship, which was marked by a blend of creative collaboration and shared interests in technology and futurism, had ups and downs. The couple welcomed their first child together, X Æ A-Xii, in May 2020. The unique name sparked a lot of attention, with Musk and Grimes later explaining it symbolized a blend of "X" (the unknown variable) and "Æ," a character used in the names of various artificial intelligences, among other meanings.

In December 2021, they welcomed their second child, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (nicknamed Y), via surrogate. Grimes later revealed that their decision to have a second child was influenced by their desire for their son to have a sibling. In 2022, they had a third child, Techno Mechanicus, further adding to their unconventional family.

Despite having children together, Musk and Grimes had a complex relationship, with Grimes describing it as “fluid” and “not conventional.” In September 2021, Musk confirmed that they had "semi-separated" but remained on good terms and continued to co-parent their children. In 2022, the couple officially split after four years together.

Elon Musk with son X AE A-12  (Rome, Italy - December 16, 2023)

The split reportedly stemmed from differences in lifestyle and their intense work commitments. Musk, with his numerous ventures including Tesla, SpaceX, and other companies, has a notoriously busy schedule, while Grimes was focused on her music career. Grimes also spoke about the difficulties of navigating their relationship in the public eye and dealing with the intense media attention.

Following their separation, both Grimes and Musk have continued to maintain a somewhat amicable relationship, co-parenting their children. However, the custody battle between them has drawn public attention in 2023, with Grimes sharing the emotional difficulties of their ongoing legal dispute, including a period where she was unable to see one of their children for several months.

Throughout their relationship, Musk and Grimes have remained somewhat private about the specifics of their personal lives, with occasional public glimpses into their family dynamic. Despite their separation, Grimes has expressed her gratitude for the lessons and creativity she has gained through motherhood and her relationship with Musk.