Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the popular instant messaging app Telegram, has made an astonishing revelation about his personal life, claiming that he has fathered over 100 children. This eye-catching statement surfaced during an interview he gave to the French political magazine, *Le Point*. Durov elaborated on how he began donating sperm fifteen years ago to assist a friend, leading to the conception of numerous babies across twelve countries.
In addition to these children conceived through sperm donation, Durov identifies himself as the formal father of six other children with three different partners. It appears that he is particularly mindful of their future, announcing that every one of his offspring will have the right to share in his considerable fortune, estimated at around $13.9 billion (approximately £10.3 billion). Durov emphasized that all his children are acknowledged and will be treated equally regarding inheritance rights.
In an intriguing twist to the narrative, Durov also expressed a desire for his children to earn their keep independently. While he confirmed his dedication to providing for them, he stated that none will be able to access their inheritance for at least thirty years. He made it clear that he wants his kids to develop their self-sufficiency and not rely solely on their financial background or family wealth. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account,” Durov explained.
Amid these extraordinary revelations, Durov reiterated that he faces serious criminal charges in France, which he vehemently denies. He categorizes these allegations as baseless and absurd. Durov was previously arrested under accusations that he failed to moderate the app adequately to mitigate illegal activities like drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse content. Nevertheless, he defended his platform, stating, “Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn’t make those who run it criminals.” He has maintained that Telegram does not have insufficient moderation practices and has openly defended the company’s approach to privacy and security.
Durov’s assertions regarding his extensive progeny and the legal troubles he faces reflect a complicated personal and professional narrative. His life has become a subject of intense curiosity, especially given his significant assets and the enormous influence his messaging application holds in the digital communication realm. With over one billion monthly active users, Telegram is recognized for its emphasis on user privacy and encrypted messaging, distinguishing it from other applications in the same sector.
As Durov continues to navigate both the challenges of fatherhood and the responsibilities that come with his substantial wealth, he is also acutely aware of the risks associated with his line of work. The entrepreneur remarked that his profession, primarily focused on defending personal freedoms, earns him numerous adversaries, including those within powerful governments. This climate of risk has prompted him to create a will for his children, ensuring their rights and financial interests after his passing.
In summary, Pavel Durov’s candid revelations about his private life, financial strategies for his children, and defiance against serious legal challenges add complex layers to his identity as a tech entrepreneur. His commitment to creating a unique legacy for his children while emphasizing their autonomy signals an unconventional approach among individuals within his financial stature. The interplay between his personal revelations and professional endeavors continues to capture public and media attention, reflecting the broader themes of privacy, wealth, and responsibility in the digital age.
