In a rare and candid social media post, musician Grimes has revealed the emotional toll of her ongoing custody battle with tech billionaire Elon Musk, alleging that she was separated from one of their three children for five months. The revelation comes as the legal dispute between the former couple continues to unfold behind closed doors in both California and Texas courts.

The Canadian-born singer, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, took to X (formerly Twitter) on November 25th to share a glimpse into what she described as a “year locked in battle.” Grimes, 36, and Musk, 52, share three children: son X Æ A-12 (known as “X”), daughter Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed “Y”), and son Techno Mechanicus (“Tau”). The couple, once a fixture on red carpets and in the headlines for their unconventional relationship, split in 2022 after four years together.

“Spent a year locked in battle in a state with terrible mother’s rights,” Grimes wrote. “Having my Instagram post and modeling used as reasons I shouldn’t have my kids and fighting and detaching from the love of my life as he becomes unrecognizable to me.” She went on to allege that she fought Musk “with a fraction of his resources or IQ, strategy, [and] experience,” adding, “All the while I didn’t see one of my babies for 5 months.”

The singer’s post struck a chord with fans and parents alike, highlighting the challenges many mothers face in custody disputes, particularly when pitted against powerful and wealthy ex-partners. Grimes did not specify which of her children she was separated from, nor did she elaborate on the details of the custody arrangement, citing her desire to keep much of the ordeal private. “This is only what can be said publicly since most of my experience these last years should remain behind closed doors,” she explained.

E! News reached out to Musk’s representatives at Tesla for comment, but as of publication, had not received a response.

The high-profile custody dispute first became public in October 2023, when Grimes filed a petition against Musk to establish parental rights, according to court documents obtained by NBC News. Since then, the legal battle has played out in both California and Texas, with the cases sealed from public access. The secrecy surrounding the proceedings has only fueled speculation about the nature of the dispute and the well-being of the children involved.

For Grimes, the struggle has been deeply personal. In her post, she lamented the use of her public persona and career choices—such as modeling and sharing on Instagram—as evidence against her in court. “Having my Instagram post and modeling used as reasons I shouldn’t have my kids,” she wrote, underscoring the scrutiny faced by women in the public eye who are often judged for their professional and personal decisions.

The singer’s words also reflected a sense of loss—not only of time with her child but of her relationship with Musk. “Fighting and detaching from the love of my life as he becomes unrecognizable to me,” she shared, hinting at the emotional distance that has grown between the former couple as their legal battle drags on.

The post has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom have praised Grimes for speaking out about an experience that is all too common yet rarely discussed so openly by public figures. “Thank you for sharing your truth,” wrote one follower. “So many mothers go through this, and it’s heartbreaking.”

Legal experts note that custody battles involving high-profile couples can be especially contentious, with both parties often seeking to protect their privacy while also fighting for their parental rights. “When you have significant resources on one side and not the other, it can create a power imbalance,” says family law attorney Rachel Goldstein. “Courts are supposed to act in the best interests of the child, but the process can be grueling and emotionally taxing for everyone involved.”

Elon Musk and Grimes Child Custody Battle Complete Timeline - Business  Insider

For Musk, the custody dispute is the latest in a series of personal and professional controversies. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who has fathered at least ten children with various partners, has faced criticism for his unconventional approach to parenting and relationships. Musk and Grimes’ relationship, which began in 2018, was marked by public displays of affection, cryptic social media posts, and a shared affinity for technology and futurism.

Despite the challenges, Grimes has made it clear that her focus remains on her children. In her post, she emphasized the importance of keeping certain details private for their sake. “Most of my experience these last years should remain behind closed doors,” she reiterated.

As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how custody will ultimately be resolved. For now, Grimes’ willingness to share even a sliver of her pain has brought renewed attention to the struggles faced by mothers—famous or not—who find themselves fighting for their children in the shadow of powerful exes.

The story of Grimes and Musk serves as a reminder that behind the headlines and legal filings are real people, real families, and real heartbreak. And as Grimes herself put it, some things are best left “behind closed doors”—but the courage to speak out can make all the difference.