June 20, 2025 – A bizarre claim that Telegram founder Pavel Durov fathered 100 children has gone viral on social media, sparking confusion and debate. But is there any truth to this rumor? Here’s what we know.
Origins of the “Pavel Durov 100 Children” Claim
The rumor appears to have started from:
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A satirical post on a fringe forum in early 2025
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Misinterpreted comments about Durov’s “digital children” (referring to Telegram’s growth)
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An AI-generated deepfake interview that falsely quoted him
Despite zero credible evidence, the story spread rapidly across Twitter, TikTok, and Telegram itself.
Fact-Check: Does Pavel Durov Really Have 100 Kids?
✅ Confirmed Facts:
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Durov has no publicly known biological children
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He has never mentioned offspring in interviews
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No birth records or legal documents support the claim
❌ Debunked “Evidence”:
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A Photoshopped family photo circulating online
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Fake quotes attributed to Durov about “expanding his legacy”
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Parody accounts impersonating him
Why This Rumor Went Viral
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Durov’s Mysterious Persona – His private lifestyle fuels speculation
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Telegram’s Growth Metaphor – Jokes about the app being his “child” taken literally
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AI Misinformation – Fabricated content spreads faster than fact-checks
Pavel Durov’s Actual Views on Family
In a 2023 interview, Durov stated:
“I’m married to my work. Telegram is my only baby for now.”
He has repeatedly emphasized focusing on privacy, tech, and libertarian ideals over family life.
Lessons From the Hoax
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Digital misinformation spreads rapidly – Even about high-profile figures
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Always verify extraordinary claims before sharing
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Durov’s actual legacy remains his tech innovations, not fictional offspring
Final Thoughts
While the idea of Pavel Durov secretly having 100 children makes for wild conspiracy theories, reality is far less dramatic. The Telegram founder continues prioritizing his $15B+ empire over fictional fatherhood.
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