Yahoo News Wife of British cave diver branded ‘pedo guy’ by Elon Musk says husband was 'devastated' by accusations
The estranged wife of a British cave explorer branded “pedo guy” by Elon Musk said her husband was "devastated" about the allegations.
Cave diver Vernon Unsworth’s former partner said any allegations of paedophilia made against him are “totally false".
Giving evidence at the defamation trial against the billionaire Tesla boss, she told the court in Los Angeles that she was aware of Mr Musk’s remarks. When asked what she thought had been said, Mrs Unsworth replied "he has called Vernon a paedophile".
Mr Unsworth is suing the Tesla co-founder for defamation over tweets sent following the Thai cave rescue in 2018. The diver helped with the hazardous rescue mission, which led to which 12 boys and their football coach being saved.
He became involved in a dispute with Mr Musk after dismissing his offer of a mini-submersible to help as a publicity stunt. In response Mr Musk tweeted on July 15 calling Mr Unsworth "pedo guy".
The tech entrepreneur denies that it was an allegation of being a paedophile.
A defamation case is under way in federal court in California and on Thursday Mr Unsworth's wife gave evidence via a video deposition.
Mrs Unsworth, who works at a primary school, said she and Mr Unsworth met in 1987 while working in the same offices in St Albans, before marrying in 1993.
They have one daughter, Danielle, 24.
The Unsworths separated in 2013 but have never divorced. Mr Unsworth has a new partner, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun, known as Tik, who he met in 2011.
Asked if she knew why her husband travelled to Thailand in 2011, Mrs Unsworth said as far as she was aware, it was a caving trip.
Mrs Unsworth was also asked if she found any evidence her husband had found a new partner and said she once found a note in London that she believes to be from Tik.
When asked about the marriage failing, Mrs Unsworth said: "When a marriage comes to an end, you are disappointed."
Mr Musk, who appeared in court on Tuesday, insisted the phrase "pedo guy" was commonly used in his native South Africa and meant "creepy old guy" and not that Mr Unsworth was a paedophile.
Mr Unsworth is suing for damages. The trial continues.
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