While most of us on planet Earth are just figuring out how to pronounce X Æ A-12 Musk’s name, Gwyneth Paltrow has sent a special gift to the infant’s parents, Elon Musk and Grimes: a recognition of their triumph.
As spotted by the hawk-eyed folks at the CommentsByCelebs Instagram account, Paltrow responded to an InStyle Magazine post about the first child of the South African-born founder of an actual thing called The Boring Company and the Canadian-born recording artist.
“I think we got beat for most controversial baby name,” the Academy Award-winning actress zinged, adding a hashtag of her ex-husband, Chris Martin, the father of their 15-year-old daughter Apple.
While naming a kid Apple has inspired some raised eyebrows over the years, it’s nothing compared to the fundamental confusion caused by X Æ A-12’s appellation. As V.F.’s Dan Adler reports, even the parents aren’t quite sure how to pronounce it.
Mom says the “Æ” is pronounced “A.I.” but dad says it is “Ash.” What’s weirdest is how both parents say the A-12 part was selected because it represents the precursor of their favorite aircraft, the SR-71, but there has been no explanation for why they didn’t just go ahead then and call the boy SR-71. This is, perhaps, the true mark of genius.