Elon Musk’s Past Struggles: Bullied and Labeled a Loser by Father, Author Reveals

Elon Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, has shed light on the complicated relationship between the billionaire and his father, Errol Musk. In Isaacson’s bestselling biography, “Elon Musk,” he delves into the childhood traumas that have shaped Musk’s life, including his determination to colonize Mars and his demanding nature as an employer.

While Musk’s early life was well-known, Isaacson highlights the significant role his abusive and manipulative father played. During a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with host Steven Bartlett, Isaacson shared an incident that had a profound impact on Musk’s perception and strained his relationship with his father.

Isaacson described Musk as a “scrawny kid on the autism spectrum” who faced relentless bullying, leaving lasting scars on his psyche. “He had no social skills, no friends, and he was frequently beaten up,” Isaacson revealed. However, the most devastating incident occurred when Musk returned home from the hospital after being attacked. Instead of offering sympathy and support, his father, Errol Musk, reprimanded him harshly, calling him a “loser” and blaming him for the assault.

Isaacson disclosed that Musk had to endure two hours of his father berating him, making him believe that it was his fault. This incident had a lasting impact on Musk’s relationship with his father, and currently, they are not in contact.

Walter Isaacson, the renowned biographer, is known for his in-depth portrayals of influential figures like Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci. His book, “Elon Musk,” provides a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneur, shedding light on the many obstacles he has overcome to achieve his success.

Overall, Isaacson’s biography offers valuable insights into Elon Musk’s complex upbringing and the strained relationship he shares with his father, Errol Musk.