Pop CultureTHE DRAMA INDEX

Maye Musk almost turned down her SI Swimsuit cover

Maye Musk initially hesitated over her appearance but received encouragement from her daughter that convinced her to accept the cover; the phone deserves two points.

On air: Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell on BBN Tonight
Published 5:49 PM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

Photo: Vbrunophotog · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · Pop Culture

Watch it as it aired: Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell on this story, from BBN Tonight at 5:49 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Fox News's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Vbrunophotog · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Maye Musk — Photo: Vbrunophotog · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by Fox News: “Elon Musk's mom Maye nearly turned down SI Swimsuit cover over 'wrinkles and cellulite'”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 5:49 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell.
Topics: Elon Musk.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Fox NewsElon Musk's mom Maye nearly turned down SI Swimsuit cover over 'wrinkles and cellulite'

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMaye Musk nearly turned down her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover because she worried about wrinkles and cellulite, according to Fox News, until a phone call from her daughter changed her mind.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorShe said yes, and she's on the cover, and honestly I'm just thrilled for her.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI'm more thrilled, Chip. I've been thrilled since lunch.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSince lunch? I've been thrilled since the headline loaded, and I read it twice.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHere is the Drama Index rating, and I want you to feel it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorFour out of ten. One point for the doubt, one for the call, and two for the phone that carried it.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe phone gets two points?
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt never dropped the call, and it didn't ask for a cover of its own.

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