Multi-billionaire Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular instant messaging app Telegram, has been in the news lately. He announced that he has sired over 100 kids. In a lengthy, exclusive interview with the French political magazine Le Point, Durov, 40, addressed the multifarious felonious allegations leveled against him. He was arrested last year in France for failing to sufficiently moderate his platform and curb criminal activity.
In response to the IPO accusation Durov dismissed all the claims as “completely ridiculous” and vigorously denied doing anything illegal. He emphasized that the presence of criminals on his messaging service does not make him or his company complicit in their actions. “Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn’t make those who run it criminals,” he stated.
Besides being “official father” of six kids with three partners, the messDurov previously shared that 15 years ago, in order to treat his friend’s infertility, he took up sperm donation. As such, he is directly responsible for the conception of more than 100 babies in 12 countries.
In his recent interview, Durov said what he hopes for his children. “They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” he said. He hopes for them to disperse his future billion-dollar fortune of $13.9 billion (£10.3 billion). They’re not going to get their inheritance for at least another 30 years.
In a follow-up statement, Durov elaborated on his decision to make a will, citing the dangers associated with his line of work. “Defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges that come with his role in championing digital rights.
The legal tussles involving Durov have generated considerable press coverage and international speculation as they developed. His resolve to defend personal freedoms and privacy has made him a lightning rod, separating his ardent supporters from his fierce opponents.