Elon Musk slammed over video that apparently shows him ‘abandoning’ his 4-year-old son, but another angle tells a different story

Elon Musk is facing intense criticism after a video has surfaced on X showed him walking away from his four-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, at what appears to be a pro-Trump event.

However, a new video has been shared showing another angle of the moment – and has put a lot of criticism to bed.

Social media users say they have been left “saddened” and “disturbed” as the video pans to Musk’s young son navigating a set of metal stairs on his own while his father walks on.

Viral Footage Sparks Debate

The original clip – which has now gone viral with some reaching over 17 million views – captures Musk exiting a stage and descending metal stairs, waving to the crowd as he walks away.

X, who frequently accompanies his father to public events, can be seen following behind, gripping the handrails as he carefully makes his way down. A security guard stands nearby, but Musk appears to continue striding off without waiting for his son.

The video then cuts to X still making his way down the steps alone. This particular footage does not show if other adults were present to assist the child, leaving many social media users disturbed by the scene.

Criticism and Defenses Flood Social Media

Critics quickly slammed Musk for what they perceived as negligent parenting, with some accusing him of using X for publicity while failing to properly look after him.

“Why is this man abandoning his toddler on dangerous metal stairs?” one person asked. Another wrote: “Definitely a candidate for Father of the Year—not.”

Others suggested Musk simply forgot his son was with him, arguing that he only brings X to high-profile events for optics.

“He clearly does not have that child in mind,” one user commented, while another added: “Prime example of when men think having money is what makes them a ‘great father.'”

“Elon Musk walks off and leaves his 4 year old son wandering off stage by himself,” one person wrote. “This clip legitimately disturbs — and saddens — me.”

However, while many rushed to Musk’s defense in the replies, one video in particular has shown the moment from a completely different angle.

“You’re such a f***ing liar. I was there. F*** you,” one X user replied, sharing the alternative angle.

In the second video, Musk can clearly be seen gesturing for his young son to follow him as President Trump can be heard talking to the crowd off-screen.

At the end of the clip, Musk notices that young X isn’t paying attention and staying close by, and turns back to his son while making a playful gesture.

“Thanks for correcting the attackers,” one person wrote in response, with another adding: “Thanks for sharing. The lies are unbelievable!”

Errol Musk Weighs In on Elon’s Parenting

The backlash against Musk’s parenting comes just days after his father, Errol Musk, made critical remarks about his son’s approach to raising children.

Speaking on the Wide Awake podcast, Errol claimed Elon “hasn’t been a good dad” and even made concerning comments about the tragic death of Musk’s first son, Nevada, who passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at just ten weeks old in 2002.

“The first child was too much with nannies and died in the care of a nanny,” Errol said, adding that his son’s wealth had created an unusual family dynamic.

“If Elon hears this he’s gonna shoot me or something, but anyway, that’s what I think,” Errol added. “They were too rich, [had] too many nannies… then he had five children with the same woman – five sons all brought up, each one had its own nanny. You following me?

“When they got divorced, the nannies were six on this side and six on that side. So it was a really weird situation.”

Errol also alleged that Musk “never spent time with his kids,” further fueling speculation about his relationship with his children.

Regardless on your thoughts on Musk and his political leanings, this tale certainly proves that there are two sides – or angles – to every story.

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