Telsa CEO Elon Musk has denied having an affair with “beautiful” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Speculation grew on social media after the pair were snapped gazing into each other’s eyes at a black-tie event in New York this week.
Musk, the South African-born billionaire owner of X, presented Meloni with the Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council think tank on Monday.
The New York Post called the moment between Musk, 53, and Meloni , 47, a “public love-in”.
Elon Musk photographed during a visit to Italy to attend an event for Brothers of ItalyREUTERSResponding to speculation, Musk said: “I was there with my Mom. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni.”
He added: “We all know what happened next”.
Musk made a series of complimentary remarks about Meloni before handing her the award on Monday.
He described Italy’s first female premier as “someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than outside”, adding: “That can’t always be said about politicians.”
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Giorgia Meloni during a recent visit to New York
REUTERS
Meloni, who split from her long-time partner Andrea Giambruno in 2023, appeared to return the favour, describing Musk as a “precious genius”.
During her appearance in Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom, Meloni told the 600-strong crowd about her vision of conservatism.
She said: “I don’t know if nationalism is the correct word because it often recalls doctrines of aggression or authoritarianism.
“However, I know that we should not be ashamed to use and defend words and concepts like nation and patriotism.”
Elon Musk was at the event with his mum
Reuters
Meloni and Musk have met several times, including when the Italian Prime Minister hosted the billionaire at her official residence in Rome last year.
The pair discussed the West’s declining birth rates and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
Musk separately spoke at a political festival hosted by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy Party in December last year.
The 53-year-old has been married three times, including twice to Talulah Riley.
He was last dating 36-year-old Canadian musician Grimes but the couple split in 2021.