Maye Musk Almost Declined Sports Illustrated Cover Over 'Wrinkles and Cellulite'

Maye Musk, the mother of tech mogul Elon Musk, revealed that she almost did not pose for the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit due to concerns about her appearance, specifically "wrinkles and cellulite."

Musk, who became the oldest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model at 74 in 2022, shared her hesitation in an interview about her new book, "Timeless." She told Fox News Digital, "At my age, you have wrinkles and cellulite on your arms and on your thighs, so I prefer to wear long sleeves." The idea of wearing a swimsuit made her uncomfortable, but her daughter encouraged her to accept the offer, highlighting the beauty of Belize, the location for the shoot.

Despite initial reservations, Musk found the experience surprisingly at ease, even wearing colorful two-pieces. She reflected on the unusual nature of the photoshoot, noting that she had been told her entire life she was not a swimsuit model, envisioning the typical body types of figures like Victoria's Secret models.

"It was a challenge for me. But as I say, you have to take a chance in life," Musk stated. "And I knew they're not going to publish ugly photos. At one point, I felt so at ease that I even started dancing with the local people. I was in awe of exploring a new country, a new culture. That's what I love doing. And I got to celebrate me."

Musk also commented on body image perceptions, particularly contrasting how women often cover themselves at the beach while men confidently display their bodies. She advocated for a shift in this mindset, encouraging women to embrace themselves without apology.

In her book, Musk also recounted another significant modeling experience: posing for the cover of TIME magazine. Initially hesitant about a nude shoot, she sought the opinions of her children. While her son Elon expressed strong disapproval and her daughter Tosca was protective, her son Kimbal encouraged her, framing it as "journalism" and assuring her it would be tasteful.

Musk described the TIME photoshoot as quick and respectful, emphasizing that she was treated with care and had control over the process. She found the experience empowering rather than uncomfortable.

Beyond her modeling career, Musk, a dietitian, also emphasized the importance of health and taking care of oneself, especially as one ages. She noted that weight management can become more challenging with age and advised planning meals and making healthy choices consistently. Musk shared an anecdote about her own mother, who, at 86, moved to Canada and learned computer art by age 94, illustrating her belief that one is never too old to start something new and to remain curious and busy.

"You're never too old to start again," Musk said. "And don't worry about the wrinkles. A man doesn't care if he gets wrinkles. He still has his confidence. When you become insecure, you become less attractive. I didn't do anything to my face because I wanted to frown and have expression. But also, don't mix with people who make you feel insecure. They're not your friends. And there will be people who will push you down. You can't stay down. You just have to get up and show your talents, who you are."