Vivian Jenna Wilson on Life as Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter and Defending Trans Rights

Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 20-year-old transgender daughter of Elon Musk, has spoken out for the first time about her father’s treatment of her as a child and his recent public remarks regarding her transition. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Wilson refuted Musk’s claim that he was "tricked" into approving her gender-affirming medical care and criticized his characterization of her identity.

Musk’s Allegations and Wilson’s Response

Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Musk stated in a video interview that Wilson was "not a girl" and had been "killed by the woke mind virus." He also alleged that he was misled into consenting to her medical treatment when she was 16. Wilson firmly denied these claims, stating that Musk fully understood the treatment process before signing off on it.

“I think he assumed I wouldn’t say anything,” Wilson said. “But if you’re going to lie about me to millions, I’m not just gonna let that slide.”

An Absent and Unsupportive Father

Wilson described Musk as an absent parent who was rarely around despite having joint custody. She recalled being primarily raised by her mother, Justine Wilson, and nannies while Musk remained largely uninvolved. When he was present, she said, he was often cold and critical.

“He was quick to anger, uncaring, and narcissistic,” she said.

Wilson also claimed that Musk berated her for exhibiting feminine traits as a child, pressuring her to act more masculine, including demanding that she lower her voice. She recalled an instance during a childhood road trip where he harshly criticized her for having a high-pitched voice.

Wilson is so distant from her father that she doesn’t even know how many siblings she has. With Musk having 14 children, she said she only found out about her two newest siblings through Reddit and social media.

She also pointed out that Musk rarely spends time with his other children. His public appearances with her younger half-brother, X Æ A-12, seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Wilson’s Public Transition and Legal Name Change

Wilson first made headlines in 2022 when she legally changed her name and disassociated herself from Musk, stating in a court filing that she no longer wished to be related to him “in any way, shape, or form.” She has not spoken to him in four years and emphasized that she refuses to let him define her life.

“I am an adult. My life should be defined by my own choices,” she said.

Musk’s Political Shift and Attacks on Transgender Rights

In recent years, Musk has become increasingly vocal in right-wing political circles, frequently criticizing transgender rights and gender-affirming care. 

He has become a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, contributing substantial funds to his campaigns and endorsing his policies. Musk's involvement with the Trump administration extended beyond financial support. He was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role focused on reducing government spending and restructuring federal agencies. This position granted him considerable influence over federal operations, leading to significant changes within various departments. Critics, including notable figures like Bill Gates, have expressed concern over Musk's alignment with far-right ideologies. Gates described Musk's political involvement as "insane," particularly criticizing his support for parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). 

He has referred to transgender identity as a “woke mind virus” and has called for the prosecution of medical professionals who provide care to transgender minors. In his interview with Whitlock, Musk falsely claimed that “the child I had is gone,” suggesting that Wilson’s transition was a form of “ideological capture” rather than a personal decision. He also blamed her transition for pushing him further into conservative politics, stating, “I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that.”

Additionally, Musk has used his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to roll back protections for transgender users, eliminating policies that previously safeguarded against targeted harassment and misgendering.

Wilson dismissed Musk’s rhetoric as a political strategy rather than a reflection of reality.

“He’s turned me into a talking point,” she said. “But I refuse to let him define me.”

A Supportive Mother and a Different Path

Wilson has openly criticized her father, highlighting their strained relationship. In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, Wilson labeled Musk a "pathetic man-child," expressing her disinterest in his wealth and achievements, including his acquisition of Twitter.

Wilson recounted that during her upbringing, Musk was largely absent, estimating his presence at around 10% of the time. She described him as quick to anger, uncaring, and narcissistic. 

Unlike Musk, Wilson said her mother, Justine, was fully supportive of her transition. She recalled coming out to her mother in 2020, saying Justine responded with warmth and understanding.

“She just said, ‘Yeah, that figures,’ and that was it. No drama,” Wilson shared in a separate interview with Teen Vogue.

Wilson, now a college student studying languages, is focusing on her future and distancing herself from Musk’s influence.

What’s Next?

Wilson’s decision to speak out marks a significant moment in her estrangement from Musk. With her statements challenging his public narrative, the situation may further impact Musk’s public image, especially given his ongoing political and business controversies. These include a lawsuit filed by 14 states against Musk and Trump over his role at DOGE, as well as his declining net worth and the drop in Tesla shares following the elections.