'My stepdad’s Indian’: Amid growing racism, Elon Musk's ex-girlfriend shares her half-Indian roots

Canadian musician and Elon Musk’s former partner, Grimes, has taken a stand against the rising wave of anti-India sentiment on American social media.

The controversy emerged following the appointment of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence under Donald Trump’s administration.

Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, revealed in a post on X that she grew up in a half-Indian household. She described her upbringing as a “fire childhood,” crediting Indian culture for positively influencing her perspective. “My stepdad’s Indian. Indian culture jives very well with Western culture,” she wrote, adding that the recent surge in anti-India rhetoric was “embarrassing”.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Grimes experienced a multicultural upbringing after her parents’ divorce when her mother married Ravi Sidhoo, a businessman and director of East India Carpets. Her stepfather’s Indian heritage significantly shaped her appreciation for Indian culture, which she has often described as an integral part of her childhood.

The anti-India discourse gained traction online amid debates over immigration and job outsourcing, particularly through H1B visas. Many critics argue that Indian workers are taking away opportunities from Americans. Grimes condemned the xenophobic rhetoric and called attention to the broader cultural exchange between the United States and India.

When asked about American cultural influence in India, Grimes noted, “We already did this to them. It has caused a ton of problems for them.” She clarified that her comment referred to the influx of American gadgets into India, suggesting that if more American companies had established themselves in the country, it might have created additional job opportunities.

The backlash against Krishnan’s appointment highlights longstanding tensions over immigration policies and economic competition. A venture capitalist and tech expert, Krishnan has worked with major companies like Twitter, Facebook, and Microsoft. In his new role, he will help shape the United States’ AI policies alongside David Sacks, the White House AI and Crypto Czar.

Grimes also addressed the psychological toll of online hate, urging her followers to resist the negative impulses social media often triggers. “Negative comments feel louder and more numerous,” she wrote, emphasising the need to rise above divisive rhetoric.

As the US Department of Homeland Security moves to modernise the H-1B visa programme to address job vacancies and retain top talent, Grimes’s call for empathy and understanding serves as a reminder of the value of multicultural collaboration in a globalised world.