In early August 2025, the internet was rocked by an extraordinary claim: a 40-year-old Kenyan man came forward asserting that he was the firstborn son of tech mogul Elon Musk. Identifying himself as a “mental health activist,” the man pointed to a striking resemblance between himself and Musk and demanded a DNA test to confirm his paternity. His story quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate—but internet sleuths were quick to debunk the claim, unraveling a series of contradictions that cast doubt on the entire narrative.

The Claim

The man, who remained anonymous, claimed that his mother had worked as a hotel manager at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in the early ’90s. According to his story, during a visit by Musk to Kenya, the two had a brief romantic encounter, resulting in the man’s birth. He asked for recognition from Musk—not for financial gain, he said, but to understand his heritage and feel a sense of belonging. In an attempt to legitimize his claim, the man called on fellow Kenyans to tag Musk on social media and even requested $1 donations from the public to fund his travel to the U.S. for DNA testing.

Rapid Spread and Public Reaction

Once the claim was posted on X (formerly Twitter) under the page “African Hub,” it quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views, likes, and reposts. The sensational nature of the story captivated the masses. However, the excitement quickly gave way to skepticism as internet users began to point out glaring inconsistencies. For one, Musk was born in 1971, meaning he would have been just 12 to 14 years old at the time of the alleged encounter, making the timeline implausible. Online users took to social media to comment, “Elon isn’t 60; he’s like 53 or 54,” poking fun at the obvious flaw in the story.

The Anonymity and Lack of Evidence

Another major issue was the man’s anonymity. Despite the story’s virality, no documents, additional photos, or credible information were provided to support his claim. Even media outlets like Pie Radio UK, who initially shared the story, admitted to poor fact-checking. One analyst from Kenya pointed out, “There’s no conceivable overlap that would make this paternity possible… It’s a mismatch of dates that no DNA test could reconcile.”

AI Speculations and Image Concerns

Further doubts arose when suspicions surfaced that the image of the man making the claim was AI-generated. Observers noted odd visual glitches—such as blurry backgrounds and unnatural proportions—that suggested the photo could be fabricated. Moreover, the image had been circulating on Russian websites as early as March 2024, before the claim was even made, fueling the theory that it had been repurposed from an internet trend involving “Black versions” of white celebrities.

The Broader Conversation on AI Misinformation

This incident highlights the growing problem of AI-powered misinformation. With the rise of deepfakes, AI-generated images, and bots, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Some experts even warn of the “Dead Internet Theory,” which suggests a future where AI dominates online content, making it nearly impossible to trust anything shared on social media.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Humor

Among those who poked fun at the absurd claim was NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Known for his quick wit, O’Neal humorously responded to the viral story, saying, “That guy’s not my brother either!” His lighthearted approach added to the online laughter, and it wasn’t long before memes began circulating featuring O’Neal alongside Musk and the Kenyan man, further debunking the story.

Conclusion

By August 2025, the claim that a Kenyan man was Elon Musk’s long-lost son had been thoroughly debunked. Despite the viral spread and initial excitement, it quickly unraveled under scrutiny, with Musk’s known family tree remaining unchanged. The incident served as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the speed at which false stories can spread online. As for Musk, he has yet to publicly address the claim, leaving the digital world to continue its debate on the dangers of viral rumors and the rise of AI-driven deception.