Elon Musk made headlines when he appeared with a visible black eye during a public event at the White House on May 30, 2025. The unexpected bruise immediately sparked widespread speculation, with rumors ranging from health issues to internal disputes. However, Musk himself provided an unexpected and lighthearted explanation.
According to Musk, the black eye was the result of a playful incident involving his five-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii. He claimed that during a joking moment at home, he encouraged his son to punch him in the face—and the child did so with surprising force, resulting in the bruise seen during the event.
Despite the simplicity of the explanation, the internet buzzed with alternative theories. Some questioned whether there was more to the story, while others took it at face value as a glimpse into Musk’s quirky parenting style and willingness to be candid about private family moments.
The incident coincided with Musk stepping down from his role in the Trump administration, where he had briefly served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Whether coincidence or not, the black eye became an unexpected symbol of Musk’s chaotic and unpredictable public life.
In the end, the story seems to be exactly what Musk said it was: a dad letting his son have a little fun—and learning the hard way not to underestimate a five-year-old’s punch.