Who is Jana Bezuidenhout? Errol Musk’s Stepdaughter at the Center of Abuse Allegations

A shocking report by the New York Times on September 24, 2025, has once again put the spotlight on Jana Bezuidenhout, the former stepdaughter of Errol Musk and connected to Tesla founder Elon Musk’s family. The investigation revealed disturbing claims of sexual abuse and raised questions about her relationship with the Musk family.

Early Life of Jana Bezuidenhout

Jana Bezuidenhout was born in 1988 in South Africa. Her mother, Heide-Mari, married Errol Musk in 1992, making Jana his stepdaughter. At that time, she was only four years old. Her biological father had passed away in an accident before that marriage.

Growing up, Jana lived in a blended family. Errol and Heide-Mari later had two children together. But Jana’s connection with Errol would turn controversial years later.

Abuse Allegations Against Errol Musk

According to the New York Times investigation, Errol Musk was accused of sexually abusing five of his children and stepchildren over decades. The earliest report was in 1993, when Jana was four. Her aunt said the child had complained about Errol’s behavior, which was reported to the authorities.

Further reports were filed when Jana was around 14. Relatives even contacted child protective services. Later, biographer Walter Isaacson revealed that Elon Musk was worried when his father seemed “uncomfortably attentive” to Jana when she was 15.

Relationship With Errol Musk

Despite the troubling history, Jana Bezuidenhout entered a romantic relationship with her former stepfather as an adult. In 2017, she gave birth to their son Elliot “Rushi” Rush. In 2022, Errol confirmed he had a second child with Jana.

His comments that “the only thing we are on Earth for is to reproduce” created public outrage and deepened the controversy.

Financial Struggles and Support

Jana faced personal difficulties, including substance abuse in her past. Reports suggest that in 2023, Elon Musk began giving financial help to Jana and her children. He was said to be paying 30,000 rand (about $1,700) per month.

Ongoing Allegations

In 2023, family members accused Errol of abusing Jana’s young son. The businessman strongly denied the charges, calling them “false and nonsense in the extreme.” Still, the accusations have kept Jana and her children in the media spotlight.