Elon Musk has recently sparked a wave of controversy with revelations about his fathering at least twelve children, but this situation pales in comparison to the unusual case of Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the secure messaging app Telegram. Durov has made headlines not only for his technological achievements but also for his extraordinary claims regarding his biological offspring.

Durov, who was recently detained in France on charges related to allegedly permitting criminal activities on Telegram, has disclosed an astonishing aspect of his personal life. According to a Telegram post he made in June, the 39-year-old Russian tech mogul revealed that he has fathered over 100 biological children through sperm donations. This number is striking for someone who has never been married and prefers a solitary lifestyle.

In his post, Durov explained that his journey into sperm donation began about 15 years ago when he donated to a friend facing fertility issues. Encouraged by the positive reception and described as “high quality donor material,” he continued donating to sperm banks, considering it his “civic duty” to help other couples struggling with infertility. Durov’s donations spanned twelve countries, and despite his claims of having ceased his contributions, an investigation by the Russian news outlet E1. RU found that his sperm is still available for purchase at a Moscow clinic. The clinic reportedly charges 35,000 rubles (approximately $384) per vial.

Durov’s donor profile, as reported by E1. RU, lists several attributes that potential recipients might find appealing: he is a vegetarian, an early riser, and speaks nine foreign languages, including English, Persian, and Latin. This combination of traits seems to have contributed to the ongoing demand for his sperm, despite his statements that he has stopped donating.

Pavel Durov, worth an estimated $15.5 billion, has also shared plans to “open-source” his DNA, allowing his biological children to connect with each other. He acknowledged the potential risks of this decision but expressed no regrets about his role as a sperm donor. Durov’s unique approach to this aspect of his life contrasts sharply with the more conventional practices of many wealthy individuals.

In a related twist, Elon Musk has weighed in on Durov’s arrest, drawing attention to the case through social media. Musk, who himself has faced scrutiny over the content moderation practices on his platform Twitter (now rebranded as X), posted the hashtag #FreePavel over the weekend. Along with the hashtag, Musk shared a provocative message: “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.” This statement reflects Musk’s broader critique of what he perceives as increasing censorship and overreach in Europe, though it also highlights his support for Durov in the face of legal troubles.

Durov’s arrest, coupled with his extraordinary sperm donation story, has created a media sensation, mixing elements of personal eccentricity with significant legal and ethical questions. The Telegram founder’s decision to make his DNA accessible to his offspring and his ongoing public discourse around the case have kept him in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Musk’s support for Durov underscores a shared sentiment among some tech leaders regarding the boundaries of freedom and personal choice.

As the story continues to develop, it raises intriguing questions about privacy, personal responsibility, and the role of technology in modern life. Durov’s case not only challenges conventional norms but also serves as a catalyst for broader discussions about the intersections of technology, personal choices, and societal values.