Elon Musk, one of the most influential and wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world, has long been admired for his visionary work in technology and space exploration. Yet behind the headlines of innovation lies a turbulent personal and professional life filled with a series of high-profile feuds and broken relationships. From close friendships turned sour, to bitter business disputes, and deeply personal family rifts, Musk’s pattern of burning bridges has become a defining feature of his public persona. Those who once stood by his side as friends, business collaborators, or family have at times found themselves alienated or publicly dismissed. This article explores the key figures Musk has fallen out with, revealing the human cost of his relentless ambition and unapologetic style.
Larry Page: From close friend to estranged rival
Elon Musk and Larry Page, the Google co-founder, once shared a close friendship, with Musk often staying at Page’s home and the pair considered Silicon Valley allies. However, their relationship soured in 2015 when Musk’s AI company, xAI, hired Ilya Sutskever, a top AI scientist formerly at Google. Page felt betrayed by this move, which led him to cut off contact with Musk. Reports suggest that the disagreement went deeper than just one hiring decision, touching on philosophical differences about the direction of AI research and how much control big tech should have over it. The abrupt end to their camaraderie is now often cited as an example of how Musk’s determination to secure top talent and push forward at all costs can dismantle even long-standing personal bonds.
Zack “Asmongold” Hoyt: A gamer clash turned public spat
Musk found himself in an unexpected feud with Twitch streamer Zack “Asmongold” Hoyt after Asmongold accused Musk of “boosting” — paying others to play a game on his behalf — during a livestream of Path of Exile 2. Musk responded by unfollowing Asmongold and removing his verification badge on X (formerly Twitter). The feud escalated when Musk publicly shared private messages between them, sparking debates online about whether he had crossed boundaries by disclosing private correspondence. This clash, though seemingly trivial compared to Musk’s larger ventures, showcased his readiness to directly engage in public disputes no matter the scale or stakes. It also demonstrated how Musk’s behavior on social media often amplifies small disagreements into viral spectacles.
Martin Eberhard: Tesla’s co-founder and a bitter rivalry
Martin Eberhard, Tesla’s co-founder, had a falling out with Musk after Musk ousted him from the CEO position in 2007. Eberhard later sued Musk for defamation, accusing him of claiming undue credit for Tesla’s early innovations and success. Musk called Eberhard “the worst person” he had ever worked with, an unusually blunt public insult even for Musk. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, but tensions never eased between the two. Their rift reveals the fierce power struggles that marked Tesla’s early years and underscores Musk’s tendency to dominate narratives, often rewriting company history in a way that sidelines previous collaborators.
Sam Altman: The OpenAI fallout
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, clashed publicly with Musk over the company’s strategic direction. Musk wanted OpenAI to remain a non-profit entity dedicated solely to benefiting humanity, while Altman pushed for a for-profit arm to attract funding and accelerate research. Their disagreement soon turned personal, with Altman accusing Musk of being insecure and Musk deriding Altman as “Scam Altman.” Insiders suggest that this split was also fueled by Musk’s frustration over losing influence within OpenAI’s board and his perception that the company was drifting from its original mission. The public and private jabs illustrate how differences in vision, particularly in rapidly advancing tech fields, can quickly sour professional alliances.
Jack Dorsey: Twitter’s founder and a disappointed supporter
Jack Dorsey initially supported Musk’s purchase of Twitter, praising his willingness to shake up the platform. However, conflicts arose after Musk took control and enacted sweeping changes including mass layoffs, dramatic content policy shifts, and rebranding Twitter as X. Dorsey openly expressed disappointment, noting that the platform “went south” under Musk’s leadership. Beyond the changes themselves, sources close to Dorsey suggested he felt Musk’s approach was overly chaotic and alienated much of the Twitter community. The fallout between the two tech leaders underscores how differing visions for a public platform’s future can fracture even seemingly supportive alliances.
Justine Wilson: Elon Musk’s first wife
Justine Wilson, Musk’s first wife, described herself as a “starter wife,” referencing her eight-year marriage to Musk, which ended in a contentious divorce. The legal proceedings were highly publicized, with Wilson seeking a substantial settlement that included a portion of Tesla and SpaceX shares, along with other assets. A prenuptial agreement left her with far less than she had requested, sparking debates about gender, wealth, and power dynamics in Silicon Valley marriages. In interviews, Wilson has openly reflected on how Musk’s relentless work ethic and ambitions shaped and ultimately undermined their personal life. Her candid commentary has offered rare insight into Musk’s private world during Tesla’s formative years.
Vivian Jenna Wilson: Musk’s transgender child
Vivian Jenna Wilson, Musk’s transgender child, legally changed their name and publicly stated they no longer wished to be associated with their father. Musk’s past public comments, including skepticism about Vivian’s gender identity and reportedly referring to them as “dead to him,” have contributed to a strained relationship. This decision represents one of the most personal and publicly visible rifts Musk has faced. Advocates for transgender rights have noted the situation as an example of how public figures’ personal views can impact family relationships. Vivian’s public disavowal highlights the complex emotional dynamics behind Musk’s polarizing public image.
Grimes: A public and private battle over parenthood
The musician Grimes, Musk’s partner from 2018 to 2021, has had a turbulent relationship with the billionaire, particularly when it comes to their three children. In one notable public exchange, Grimes pleaded with Musk on social media to contact her about a “medical crisis” involving one of their kids. Their disputes, sometimes laced with cryptic posts and sarcastic remarks, have repeatedly spilled into the public spotlight. Friends of the couple have noted that their clashing lifestyles and Musk’s demanding schedule exacerbated tensions. While both express love for their children, their strained co-parenting dynamic underscores the challenges of balancing family life with the pressures of global fame and responsibility.
Vernon Unsworth: The Thai cave rescue defamation battle
During the dramatic 2018 rescue of a youth soccer team trapped in a Thai cave, Musk offered to assist with a custom-built mini-submarine. When British diver Vernon Unsworth, directly involved in the rescue, dismissed the idea as a “PR stunt,” Musk retaliated by calling Unsworth “pedo guy” on Twitter. This led to a defamation lawsuit that drew global media attention. Although Musk won the court case, the episode tarnished his public image and highlighted the dangers of impulsive online remarks. The feud lingered in the public consciousness as an example of how Musk’s quick temper and combative social media style can overshadow his achievements.
Sam Harris: A scientific disagreement turned personal
Neuroscientist Sam Harris and Musk clashed over predictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Musk bet Harris $1 million that US COVID cases would remain below 35,000 — a bet Musk lost, but allegedly never paid. Harris later criticized Musk’s handling of the situation, prompting Musk to call him “mentally ill” in a public post. Their dispute went beyond numbers, touching on differing interpretations of scientific data and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping public health discourse. The falling out showcased yet again Musk’s inclination to turn professional or intellectual disagreements into deeply personal feuds.
Donald Trump: The greatest political Showdown
In 2025, Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s relationship took center stage as Musk formally endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign and joined his administration to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk played a key role in pushing for aggressive federal spending cuts and gained public praise from Trump, who frequently expressed support for Musk and his companies. Their alliance seemed strong, with Musk actively involved in Trump’s inner circle and policy efforts early in the year.However, by mid-2025, the partnership unraveled dramatically. Musk publicly condemned a major bipartisan spending bill central to Trump’s agenda, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” This sparked a fierce public feud, with Trump threatening to cancel Musk’s government contracts and Musk accusing Trump of relying on his backing to win the presidency. The escalating conflict played out openly on social media, exposing the volatility and fragility of their political alliance.
