Shivon Zilis, a technology executive known for her expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, announced on October 2 that Elon Musk had ended their relationship unexpectedly. She described the breakup as sudden and painful, stating that transitioning from love to separation within a week came without warning.
In her statement on social media platform X, Zilis expressed her ongoing care for Musk despite the hurt caused by the split. She shared screenshots of recent affectionate text exchanges between them, including messages from September 24 that demonstrated mutual affection.
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Zilis pursued studies in economics and philosophy at Yale University, where she also played as a goalkeeper on the university’s ice hockey team. Her early career included roles at IBM and Bloomberg before she led the venture capital firm Bloomberg Beta.
In 2016, Zilis joined OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company co-founded by Musk, becoming the youngest member of its board before stepping down in March 2023. She has been involved with Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, since 2017 and currently serves as its director of special projects. Additionally, she joined the board of the defense technology firm Shield AI in September 2023.
Zilis and Musk’s connection began through their work in the technology sector, particularly at OpenAI. Their personal relationship became publicly known following reports about the birth of their children. Elon Musk’s biographer Walter Isaacson, Zilis initially contemplated having children via an anonymous sperm donor before Musk offered to donate sperm himself, motivated by his desire to encourage smart people to have children.
The couple share four children: twins Strider and Azure, born in November 2021; daughter Arcadia, born in February 2024; and son Seldon, whose birth was announced in 2025. Musk has ten other children with different partners.
In her announcement, Zilis described the home they shared with their children as a source of happiness and emotional refuge for Musk, contrasting it with the demands of his professional and political life. She referred to their family space as Musk’s “safe space.”
While she acknowledged the pain of the breakup, Zilis affirmed her continued support for Musk, stating she would always wish him happiness and cheer for his well-being.
