On June 20, 2025, the world was stunned when Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and renowned tech billionaire, announced a will that divides his staggering $17.1 billion fortune equally among 106 children, including 6 biological children and 100 children born from his sperm donations over 15 years across 12 countries. This revelation not only shocked the public due to the sheer scale of the wealth but also because of the unexpected emergence of Yulia Vavilova, who claims to be the mother of three of Durov’s six biological children, sparking intense controversy with her allegations.

Pavel Durov, often dubbed the “eccentric billionaire” of the tech world, left jaws dropping with his announcement of how he plans to distribute his wealth. The entire $17.1 billion will be split equally among 106 children, but with a catch: they can only claim their share when they turn 30, meaning they must wait until June 19, 2055. Durov explained that this decision stems from his desire to ensure his children grow up in an environment free from dependence on wealth, reflecting his belief that they should value hard work.

“I work in a high-risk industry, and I want to ensure my wealth is distributed fairly,” Durov stated. “I don’t want my children to grow up surrounded by luxury without understanding the value of effort.” However, what stunned the public was not just the number of heirs but Durov’s decision to include 100 children from his sperm donation program as his “children”—a legally and ethically contentious concept.

Amid the mix of admiration and criticism, Yulia Vavilova, a Russian lawyer who once worked with Telegram, stepped into the spotlight. She claims to be the mother of three of Durov’s six biological children and accuses him of failing to acknowledge her role in their lives. According to Vavilova, Durov “abandoned” her and their children after their relationship ended, using his financial power to control information about his family.

“Requiring the children to wait until they’re 30 to receive their inheritance is absurd and unfair,” Vavilova said in an interview. “Pavel is trying to portray himself as a fair father, but he has never truly been present in our children’s lives.” She also questioned the transparency of the sperm donation program, demanding that Durov disclose the identities of the other 100 children to ensure their rights are protected.

Vavilova’s accusations have ignited heated debates on social media. Many support her, arguing that Durov is attempting to craft a bizarre “legacy” to polish his public image while neglecting his real responsibilities as a father. Conversely, others defend Durov, asserting that he has the right to decide how his wealth is distributed and that the 30-year waiting period protects his children from becoming overly reliant on money.

Durov’s announcement has sparked not only personal controversy but also complex legal questions. In many countries, children born from sperm donations do not have automatic inheritance rights unless explicitly agreed upon. Durov’s inclusion of 100 such children in his will could lead to prolonged legal battles, especially since their identities remain undisclosed.

Legal experts suggest that Durov’s will could face challenges in courts across multiple jurisdictions, particularly if the mothers of these children demand their rights. Moreover, the requirement to wait until 2055 raises questions about feasibility, as the value of the fortune could significantly change over the next three decades.

Ethically, Durov’s decision has fueled debates about the responsibilities of sperm donors. Can someone claim to be the “father” of hundreds of children they’ve never met, or is this merely a publicity stunt? Some activists argue that Durov is exploiting donation programs to build a “legacy empire” without genuine concern for the children’s lives.

On platforms like X, Durov’s story has become a trending topic. Some users hail him as the “father of the century,” while others criticize him as an “eccentric” seeking attention. Posts on X reflect a clear divide: one side admires Durov’s long-term vision, while the other questions his true motives.

Meanwhile, child rights organizations have called on Durov to clarify how he identified the 100 children from the donation program and to ensure their rights are not violated. Some warn that publicizing this plan could make the children targets for media scrutiny or exploitation.

Pavel Durov has long been known for his unconventional lifestyle and bold decisions. From refusing to cooperate with Russian authorities to building Telegram into a leading encrypted platform, he has always been in the spotlight. But this time, his $17.1 billion will and the story of 106 children have thrust him into an unprecedented controversy.

Is this a visionary plan to secure the future of the next generation, or a calculated move to bolster his personal image? The answer may only become clear in 2055, when Durov’s children are eligible to claim their inheritance. For now, Yulia Vavilova and her allegations are shaking the foundations of this billionaire’s empire, dragging him into an unrelenting storm of controversy.

What do you think of Pavel Durov’s decision? Share your thoughts!