Nationwide — Errol Musk, Elon Musk’s father, tried to defend his son against accusations of racism, claiming they had “Black servants” who were friends with Elon during his childhood in South Africa. However, his explanation has only fueled further criticism.

According to NewsOne, Errol dismissed the allegations as “political nonsense.” However, his remarks have been widely criticized for reflecting the deep-rooted racism of apartheid-era South Africa, where racial segregation and inequality were the norm.

Errol further described South Africa during the apartheid era as a “well-run, law-abiding country” with “virtually no crime.” This comment has sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of glorifying a regime built on racial oppression and showing a lack of awareness about the harm caused by apartheid.

The relationship between Elon and his father has long been a subject of tension. While Elon has consistently portrayed himself as a self-made entrepreneur, Errol has repeatedly claimed that his son’s success was partly due to his wealth, including from an emerald mine in Zambia. Elon has denied these claims, arguing there is no proof of his father’s involvement in the mine and that he worked hard to build his fortune independently.

Despite Errol’s attempts to defend his son, his comments have only reignited scrutiny over the Musk family’s history and raised further questions about Elon’s views on diversity, equity, and inclusion.