In a revealing social media exchange, musician Grimes has publicly detailed two significant areas of disagreement in her co-parenting relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk. The couple, who ended their romantic relationship in 2022, continue to navigate parenting their three children together amidst an ongoing custody dispute and reportedly strained personal dynamics.
Social Media Privacy and Screen Time Debates
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, initiated the conversation this week by posting a rare tribute to her children on platform X. "I try to never talk abt or show my kids because they deserve the right to anonymity but i just have to say their pure aura is unmatched," she wrote. The artist went on to share an unusual anecdote, claiming that "one of them even inexplicably commanded a flock of crows for while. Might be biased but this seems unusual."
This post prompted followers to inquire about various parenting topics, leading Grimes to openly discuss two contentious issues in her co-parenting arrangement with Musk.
Diverging Views on Digital Exposure
When questioned about whether her children receive screen time, Grimes responded with notable candour. "Huge debate cuz the other parent is fine w it but it's fairly avoided," she explained. The musician elaborated on their approach when screen time does occur, stating, "If it happens we focus on great art and ideally slower stuff like ghibli that isn't constantly changing context."
This revelation highlights a fundamental difference in parenting philosophy between the two public figures, with Musk apparently more permissive regarding digital media consumption while Grimes advocates for more controlled, artistic content.
Clashing Perspectives on Public Exposure
The second co-parenting issue Grimes addressed concerns the public exposure of their children. She explicitly agreed with a follower who asserted that "people should never show their kids on social media." This position stands in stark contrast to Musk's documented behaviour.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has previously faced criticism from Grimes for taking their son X to an Oval Office meeting with former President Donald Trump without her knowledge. Musk has also regularly shared photographs featuring his children across his social media platforms, demonstrating a markedly different approach to family privacy.
Ongoing Legal and Personal Complexities
These co-parenting disagreements unfold against a backdrop of legal proceedings and personal challenges. Grimes formally filed to establish parental rights for all three children in October 2023, and she has previously indicated that the custody battle with Musk delayed the release of her musical work.
The couple's children – named X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Techno Mechanicus – remain at the centre of these ongoing discussions about parenting approaches, digital boundaries, and public exposure.
Grimes' decision to publicly address these private matters offers unusual insight into the complexities of high-profile co-parenting arrangements, particularly when parents hold divergent views on technology, privacy, and public life. The musician's comments underscore the challenges of maintaining consistent parenting approaches amidst separation, legal proceedings, and fundamentally different perspectives on childhood in the digital age.
