5 days ago
Elon Musk Brushes Off Ketamine Claims, Says Eye Bruise Came From ‘Fight' With Son
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The New York Times revealed that during Donald Trump's campaign, Elon Musk's ketamine use intensified, worrying those close to him.
A 'bruised eye' Elon Musk appeared at his final White House press conference alongside US President Donald Trump on Friday. As the visible bruise sparked curiosity from reporters, Musk attributed it to a friendly fight with his son X. His remark followed during the conference which formally marked his departure as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
'I wasn't anywhere near France. I was just horsing around with little X, and I said 'punch me in the face and he did." The 53-year-old billionaire said. His reference to France alluded to a recent viral moment involving French President Emmanuel Macron, whose wife was caught on camera 'smacking" him during their official trip to Vietnam. Macron had downplayed the incident.
But the internet is not convinced about Musk's explanation and many are wondering if it has anything to do with his drug use. This aspect of Musk's life gained fresh momentum on Friday when the New York Times released a report detailing his relationship with ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects.
According to NYT, during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, Musk's drug use intensified and he took large amounts of ketamine. He also used Ecstasy and mushrooms, and carried a medication box with about 20 pills, the report added. Musk has admitted to taking prescribed ketamine for depression about every two weeks. The NYT report also cited Musk's aides to suggest that he struggles with binge eating.
When Musk was asked about the NYT coverage during the press conference, he questioned the publication's credibility and told the reporter to 'move on."
According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA), a ketamine overdose can lead to unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing, posing serious risks to a person's health.
Last year, as Musk entered politics, people close to him grew concerned about his frequent drug use. The NYT report added that they were worried over his mood swings and unpredictable behaviour, which are common side effects of ketamine.
The US DEA website also states that besides hallucination, ketamine can also lead to users feeling disconnected and out of control. Its side effects also include depression, memory loss, muscle stiffness, and nausea as well as prolonged visual disturbances.
