Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged 20-year-old daughter of billionaire entrepreneur and tech mogul Elon Musk, recently shared her thoughts in a revealing interview with Teen Vogue. This marks only her second public discussion since Musk controversially claimed that she had been “killed” by the “woke mind virus” last year. In this candid conversation, Wilson elaborated on her decision to legally change her name and gender in 2022, stating in a California court that she no longer wanted to be associated with her father “in any way, shape or form.”
In her interview, Wilson expressed that while she occasionally pokes fun at her father on social media platforms like Threads and Bluesky—both competitors to Musk's X—he doesn’t occupy much of her mental space. “I mean, I’ll see things about him in the news and think, ‘That’s fucking cringe, I should probably post about this and denounce it,’ which I have done a few times,” she stated. Her comments reflect a clear distancing from the public persona of her father, encapsulating her desire to carve out her own identity away from his shadow.
Wilson did not hold back when discussing a specific incident involving her father—a straight-armed salute he gave at a Donald Trump inauguration event in January, which Musk later claimed was not indicative of any Nazi sympathies. “The Nazi salute shit was insane,” she remarked. “Honey, we’re going to call a fig a fig, and we’re going to call a Nazi salute what it was.” Wilson emphasized the role of the cheering crowd, asserting that they also share in the responsibility for the event, highlighting a need for accountability in such situations.
Currently studying in Tokyo, Wilson dismissed any notion of fearing her powerful father, whom she has not communicated with since 2020. “He’s a pathetic man-child,” she declared. “Why would I feel scared of him? ‘Ohhh, he has so much power.’ Nah, nah, nah. I don’t give a fuck. Why should I be scared of this man? Because he’s rich? Oh, no, I’m trembling.” This bold statement underscores her conviction that wealth does not equate to power over her personal choices or emotional well-being.
Wilson also took the opportunity to challenge the narrative surrounding her father’s political evolution, particularly the suggestion that her gender transition influenced Musk's shift toward right-wing politics. “It’s such a convenient narrative, and that’s just not the case,” she asserted. “Him going further on the right is not because of me. That’s insane.” This statement showcases her desire to separate her identity from the political choices of her father.
Fortunately for Wilson, her mother, Justine Wilson—Musk's first wife—has been supportive of her transition. She expressed some regret about coming out on social media before informing her mother, stating, “if I were to do it again, she deserves to be the first one to know.” However, Wilson humorously noted that her mother wasn’t entirely surprised, illustrating the close bond they share.
Wilson emphasized the importance of discussing gender-affirming care for minors, particularly puberty blockers. “I would really like to raise awareness of the fact that trans care for minors, especially puberty blockers, is really, really important,” she explained, highlighting her own experiences with parental consent for hormone therapy. She urged society to stop demonizing children and those supporting them in their journeys to feel comfortable in their own skin.
In her critique of the political landscape, Wilson described the Trump administration as “cartoonishly evil,” particularly for its attacks on the trans community and other marginalized groups. Her views reflect a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to advocating for those who may not have a voice.
Wilson also touched on the absurdity of discovering her new half-siblings through social media, revealing the unexpected nature of her family dynamics. She further commented on the lack of humor in the political discourse by right-wing ideologues, stating, “They’re not funny. You have to be funny. Most of them have the charisma of a soaking bathrobe.” Her remarks emphasize the need for authenticity and humor in political conversations.
Through her candid interview, Vivian Jenna Wilson not only shares her personal journey but also brings attention to critical issues surrounding gender identity, family dynamics, and political discourse. Her voice adds a significant perspective to the ongoing conversations about trans rights and the complexities of familial relationships in the shadow of public figures.
