On a seemingly ordinary afternoon on August 15, 2025, the Tesla showroom in Los Angeles became the stage for an unexpected and deeply moving encounter that has captured the world’s attention. Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X Corp, found himself face-to-face with his ex-wife, British actress Talulah Riley, and her new husband, Love Actually star Thomas Brodie-Sangster. What began as a chance meeting turned into a moment of raw vulnerability when Musk, overcome with emotion, uttered words that left Brodie-Sangster visibly moved: “It’s my fault… Please, take care of her…” This heartfelt exchange, witnessed by a small crowd of showroom visitors, has sparked a global conversation about love, regret, and the human side of one of the world’s most polarizing figures.

A Chance Meeting in a High-Tech Haven

The Tesla showroom on Santa Monica Boulevard is no stranger to celebrity sightings, with its sleek displays of Cybertrucks, Model S sedans, and futuristic charging stations drawing tech enthusiasts and A-listers alike. On this particular day, Riley and Brodie-Sangster, who married in June 2024 in a romantic ceremony in Hertfordshire, England, were visiting to explore Tesla’s latest Model Y. The couple, who met on the set of the 2021 FX series Pistol, had been spotted in Los Angeles promoting Riley’s new film project. Unbeknownst to them, Musk was at the showroom for an impromptu inspection of a new AI-driven customer interface, a follow-up to his recent undercover visit to the Tesla Diner.

As Riley and Brodie-Sangster admired a Cybertruck’s angular design, Musk emerged from a back office, instantly recognizing the couple. Witnesses described the moment as electric yet awkward, with Musk pausing mid-step before approaching. Riley, 39, greeted her ex-husband warmly, a testament to their amicable relationship since their second divorce in 2016. Brodie-Sangster, 34, extended a handshake, his demeanor polite but reserved. What followed, however, was a conversation that transcended their complex history and left onlookers stunned.

A Heartfelt Confession

According to sources present, Musk initiated the conversation with light banter, asking about Riley’s latest projects and joking about the Cybertruck’s “apocalyptic” aesthetic. But the mood shifted when Riley mentioned how much she still admired Tesla’s mission to accelerate sustainable energy. “You always believed in this, Talulah,” Musk said, his voice softening. “I wasn’t always the best at showing you how much that meant.”

The conversation took a poignant turn when Musk turned to Brodie-Sangster, who had been quietly listening. In a moment that silenced the showroom, Musk said, “It’s my fault… Please, take care of her…” His words, spoken in a low, earnest tone, carried the weight of years of reflection. Witnesses reported that Brodie-Sangster’s eyes welled up, and he nodded, clasping Musk’s shoulder. “I will,” he replied simply. Riley, visibly moved, reached for her husband’s hand, her own eyes glistening.

The phrase “It’s my fault” appeared to reference the challenges of Musk and Riley’s two marriages, from 2010 to 2012 and 2013 to 2016. Their relationship, marked by Musk’s relentless work ethic and Riley’s sacrifices as an actress, was tumultuous yet deeply affectionate. In a 2022 interview with The Independent, Riley explained their decision to remarry: “It felt silly to be together unmarried after having been married. It’s like a habit.” Despite their divorces, Riley has consistently described Musk as a “great friend” and the “perfect ex-husband,” even attending her June 2024 wedding to Brodie-Sangster.

A History of Love and Regret

Musk and Riley’s story began in 2008 at a London bar, where Musk, fresh off his divorce from Justine Musk, invited Riley to his hotel room to watch SpaceX rocket videos—an unconventional but fitting start to their romance. They married in 2010 at Dornoch Cathedral in Scotland, but Musk’s grueling schedule, coupled with financial pressures from Tesla and SpaceX, strained their relationship. Riley later recounted Musk’s night terrors during this period, describing him screaming in his sleep as he grappled with near-bankruptcy fears.

Their first divorce in 2012 was followed by a reconciliation and remarriage in 2013, but by 2016, they parted ways for good. Despite the splits, their bond remained strong. Riley’s 2022 text to Musk urging him to “fight woke-ism” during his Twitter acquisition and his heartfelt “Congratulations” with a heart emoji upon her engagement to Brodie-Sangster underscored their mutual respect. In a recent interview with The Times, Riley admitted she still loves Musk, saying, “I loved/love the guy… You know what being in love is, right?”

Musk’s annual tradition of sending Riley gifts—such as a silver locket engraved with the coordinates of a Boulder location where he once picked flowers for her—further illustrates his lingering affection and regret. His words at the showroom echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the toll his ambition took on their marriage.

A Moment That Resonated

The encounter, captured by a bystander’s smartphone and shared on X, went viral, amassing millions of views. The video shows Musk, Riley, and Brodie-Sangster in a quiet huddle, with Musk’s emotional plea prompting a wave of reactions. “This is the Elon the media doesn’t show—a man who feels deeply,” one X user wrote. Another commented, “Thomas’s response was so classy. You can tell he respects Elon and loves Talulah.” The hashtag #ElonAndTalulah trended globally, with fans praising the trio’s grace and humanity.

Brodie-Sangster’s emotional reaction resonated particularly strongly. Known for his roles in Love Actually and The Maze Runner, the actor has spoken sparingly about his relationship with Riley, emphasizing their shared joy in simple moments, like tending to their Hertfordshire smallholding with sheep, ducks, and bees. His quiet assurance to Musk—“I will”—reflected a commitment not just to Riley but to honoring the complex history they share with Musk.

A Reflection on Love and Responsibility

The encounter has sparked broader conversations about love, accountability, and the personal costs of ambition. Musk, often portrayed as a relentless visionary, revealed a rare vulnerability, acknowledging his role in the challenges of his past marriage. Relationship experts on X noted the significance of his apology. “For someone like Musk to admit fault publicly is huge,” said Dr. Laura Chen, a psychologist. “It’s a step toward healing, not just for him and Riley, but for anyone watching who’s carried similar regrets.”

For Riley and Brodie-Sangster, the moment underscored their strength as a couple. Their June 2024 wedding, attended by Musk, was a celebration of love, complete with a romantic carriage ride and a near-disaster with a swarm of bees at their champagne reception. Riley’s lighthearted recounting of telling the bees about their marriage, a nod to an old tradition, charmed fans and highlighted her ability to find joy amid complexity.

A Legacy of Connection

As Musk continues to shape the future—through SpaceX’s Mars missions, Tesla’s electric vehicle dominance, and his advisory role in the U.S. government—his encounter with Riley and Brodie-Sangster reminds the world of his human side. The showroom moment, though brief, spoke volumes about his capacity for reflection and his enduring care for Riley. For Brodie-Sangster, it was a chance to bridge past and present, affirming his role as Riley’s partner while respecting her history.

The story has moved millions, with X users sharing their own tales of reconciliation and forgiveness. “Elon’s words hit hard,” one posted. “It’s never too late to own your mistakes.” As Riley and Brodie-Sangster continue their life together, and Musk presses forward with his relentless vision, this encounter stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability, the weight of regret, and the enduring bonds that shape us all.