Elon Musk and his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, have brought their family dispute into the public eye, revealing deeply conflicting perspectives on transgender rights and their personal relationship. Wilson, 20, criticized Musk for being an absent and unsupportive father, particularly during her childhood. In an interview with NBC News, she described Musk as cold, quick to anger, and narcissistic, recounting instances where he berated her for exhibiting feminine traits.
Wilson’s statements came in response to Musk’s recent comments made during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed he had been tricked into authorizing gender-affirming care for Wilson when she was 16, leading him to oppose such treatments and to campaign against what he terms the “woke mind virus.” He described the treatments as “child mutilation and sterilization” and criticized those who support gender-affirming care for minors.
In a series of posts on the social media app Threads, Wilson refuted Musk’s portrayal of her childhood and his allegations that she was born “gay and slightly autistic.” She emphasized that Musk was rarely present in her life and harassed her for her femininity and queerness when he was. Wilson also pointed out that Musk’s stance against transgender rights has fueled harmful stereotypes and policies, which she argues are based on false narratives about her and other transgender individuals.
Musk, who has become a significant political figure and recently endorsed former President Donald Trump for another term, has made his opposition to transgender policies a central part of his conservative political shift. He has criticized the use of gender pronouns and promoted anti-trans content on social media. Musk’s remarks have drawn backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that his views contribute to a hostile environment for transgender youth.
The public dispute between Musk and Wilson highlights the broader cultural and political debate over transgender rights and parental consent for gender-affirming treatments. While Wilson asserts her autonomy and the life-saving importance of such treatments, Musk remains steadfast in his belief that they are harmful and should be restricted.
Vivian Jenna Wilson’s Perspective:
Lack of Support:
Wilson claims that Elon Musk was an absent and unsupportive father, particularly harsh towards her femininity and queerness
Cruel Treatment:
She describes Musk as cold, quick to anger, and narcissistic, detailing instances of him berating her for her feminine voice and traits
Transgender Rights:
Wilson asserts that Musk’s opposition to transgender rights is harmful and based on inaccurate portrayals of her childhood and identity
Elon Musk’s Perspective:
Tricked into Consent:
Musk alleges that he was tricked into authorizing gender-affirming care for Wilson and that her transition fueled his opposition to such treatments
Cultural Concerns:
Musk views gender-affirming treatments for minors as dangerous and equates them to child mutilation, advocating for the protection of children from these procedures
Political Stance:
Musk’s stance against transgender policies and the “woke mind virus” is part of his broader conservative political shift, which he claims was motivated by Wilson’s transition.
National Broadcasting Company:
Elon Musk’s transgender daughter, in first interview, says he berated her for being queer as a child
Washington Post:
Elon Musk said his trans child was ‘dead.’ She’s calling him out.