Elon Musk hits back at racism claims with 'my partner is half Indian' defense in Economist interview

WASHINGTON, DC: Elon Musk pushed back against accusations of racism during an interview with 'The Economist' on Thursday, July 23, saying his personal life and the diversity of employees across his companies contradict such claims. 

The billionaire's remarks come amid continued scrutiny over his comments on race, immigration and support for right-wing political figures in Europe.

Elon Musk cites family and workplace diversity

Asked during 'The Economist' interview, "People say that you're a racist," Musk dismissed the accusation by pointing to his family and the diversity within his companies.

"My partner is half Indian, and I have four children with her. One of them was named after a famous Indian physicist. So I would say I'm not racist," Musk said.

He also argued that his companies employ people from diverse backgrounds in senior leadership positions.

"And also, if you look at the people that are employed at my companies, we have senior executives of all races. I don't think there's any racism there," he added.

Musk's partner, Canadian technology executive Shivon Zilis, is half Indian through her mother. One of their sons, Strider Sekhar Sirius, is named after renowned Indian-American astrophysicist and Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

Remarks follow criticism over race and politics

Musk's comments come after months of controversy surrounding his social media posts and political endorsements. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has previously written on X that white people are a "rapidly dying minority" and agreed with a post claiming "white solidarity is the only way to survive."

He has also backed several right-wing political figures and movements in Europe, including expressing support for British politician Rupert Lowe and activist Tommy Robinson.

Musk has previously claimed that civil unrest in Britain was "inevitable," drawing criticism from political leaders and commentators.

Elon Musk says he became too involved in politics

Reflecting on his increasing political role, Musk acknowledged that he had become overly involved in public affairs through his work with President Donald Trump's now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

"I think I got a little too involved in politics, got carried away, frankly," he said.

The interview also touched on foreign aid and philanthropy. Musk defended cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), claiming, without providing evidence, that "zero people" had died as a result.

He argued that private philanthropy from wealthy individuals, including Bill Gates and MacKenzie Scott, could help fill any funding gaps.

The wide-ranging interview offered a rare reflection from Musk on his political engagement, public image and the criticism he has faced over his increasingly outspoken views on race, immigration and global politics.