Elon Musk’s Candid Remark To First Wife: ‘If You Were My Employee, I’d Fire You’

Justine Musk, the author and mother of five sons, gained renewed attention this week due to the recent release of Elon Musk’s biography. In 2010, Justine wrote an essay for Marie Claire magazine detailing her marriage to Elon Musk and its tumultuous decline. In the essay, she highlighted warning signs that appeared even on their wedding night.

At our wedding reception, while we danced, Elon told me, ‘I am the alpha in this relationship,’ Ms. Musk wrote. Initially, I brushed it off, just as I did when I later signed the postnuptial agreement. However, as time passed, it became clear he was serious. Having grown up in the male-dominated culture of South Africa, the competitive and dominant drive that made him a success in business did not simply switch off at home.

Justine described how these factors, coupled with a significant economic disparity between them, created a certain dynamic in the months following their wedding. Elon’s judgment took precedence over mine, and he frequently critiqued perceived shortcomings. ‘I am your wife,’ I reminded him repeatedly, ‘not your employee.

‘If you were my employee,’ he countered just as frequently, ‘I would fire you.’

In her essay, Justine also disclosed that Elon pressured her to make her hair even blonder. The relationship faced immense strain after the tragic loss of their first son, Nevada, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Justine went on to give birth to twins and triplets.

“Nevada’s passing plunged me into years of deep depression and distraction, which may have continued if one of our nannies hadn’t noticed my struggle,” she wrote in her essay.

The couple eventually divorced in September 2008. Elon Musk revealed to Page Six that he offered Justine a settlement “equivalent to a pre-tax income of $80 million,” an offer she declined. He continues to cover all expenses for their children and provides $20,000 per month (post-taxes). Justine retained the family home in Bel Air.