Grimes Calls Out Publicity Stunt: “Fame Is Something You Should Consent To”
In an eye-catching interview with Time, Grimes opened up about her discomfort with her child being thrust into the public eye. This comes just after her son, X Æ A-Xii, appeared with his dad, Elon Musk, in the Oval Office during a rather peculiar media moment. Musk was there as the new head of the Department of Government Efficiency while President Trump signed an executive order enhancing the position of the meme coin DOGE. And yes, it’s just as bizarre as it sounds.
Grimes was quick to express her disapproval, emphasizing her wish that people stop sharing images of her children. “That’s a big ask, but it’s what I’m hoping for,” she remarked. It’s hard not to respect her sentiment, especially as a parent who wants to shield her kids from the chaotic, public life brought on by their high-profile dad. She further articulated, “Fame is something you should consent to,” mirroring sentiments echoed by many celebs navigating parenthood in the spotlight, such as Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who’ve advocated for kids’ limited exposure to fame.
In a Twitter back-and-forth, Grimes responded to a fan noting how polite young X was during the Oval Office spectacle. While she acknowledged her son’s good manners, she asserted her lack of prior knowledge about the public appearance, saying, “I did not see this, thank you for alerting me.” The concerted effort to vent on social media reflects a more significant trend among celebrities desiring privacy, especially concerning their children—think of how big names like Beyoncé and Adele are similarly protective.
Grimes and Musk, who ended their three-year relationship in September 2021, welcomed two kids together, X and a daughter named Exa. Their latest addition, another son named Techno Mechanicus, was born in June 2022 through surrogacy. Meanwhile, Musk has six other children from previous relationships, which further complicates an already convoluted family tree. The chaotic responsibility of being associated with such polarizing figures has pushed Grimes to clarify that she is not accountable for her ex’s controversial actions, particularly when Musk faced backlash for a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, which she condemned from afar.
Whether you’re Team Grimes or Team Musk, one thing is clear: the price of fame clearly weighs heavily on parents in the public arena. In an age where privacy feels like a luxury, Grimes is determined to carve out some normalcy for her little ones.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Time, Insider
