In a revealing interview with Teen Vogue, Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk's estranged daughter, has emerged as a vocal critic of her father, whom she describes as a "pathetic man-child." This candid discussion comes in the wake of various public events involving Musk that have spurred controversy and debate over his actions and remarks.
Wilson, who has been estranged from Musk since 2020, expressed her disdain for her father’s recent actions, stating, "I don’t give a f–k. Why should I be scared of this man? Because he’s rich? Oh, no, I’m trembling," in reference to her refusal to be intimidated by him despite his significant wealth and influence. She dismissed the notion that his power should evoke fear, shedding light on the complex dynamics of her relationship with Musk.
In the same interview, Wilson spoke candidly about her identity, revealing that she remains largely disconnected from her father's extensive family, which includes a total of 14 children. "I will say I do not actually know how many siblings I have, if you include half-siblings. That's just a fun fact," she quipped. This number includes her twin brother Griffin along with other siblings Musk has with various partners.
Vivian’s remarks about her father were underscored by references to his public behavior, particularly his alleged Nazi salute during two recent rallies. “The Nazi salute shit was insane,” she claimed. “We’re going to call a fig a fig, and we’re going to call a Nazi salute what it was. That shit was definitely a Nazi salute.” Her strong words reflect not only her personal conflict with her father but also a broader critique of his actions within the political sphere.
Being a figure in the media landscape has not come without its challenges for Wilson, who noted that her father has publicly commented on her life choices. In a past appearance on a podcast, Musk had controversially claimed that he was “tricked” into allowing her gender-affirming treatment, a narrative she vehemently dismissed. During a July 2024 interview with NBC News, she asserted, "He was not by any means tricked. They save lives. Let’s not get that twisted. They definitely allowed me to thrive." This ongoing public discourse around her identity has further complicated her relationship with Musk, as she has actively distanced herself from him and his views.
Vivian's experience with her father has been characterized by emotional turmoil. Reflecting on her upbringing, she stated, "He was cold; he’s very quick to anger. He is uncaring and narcissistic." This led her to petition for a name change in California in 2022, signifying her desires to move away from her father’s influence and assert her own identity. In court documents, she expressed her desire to distance herself from Musk, stating she does "not wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form."
Amidst her estrangement, Wilson has found her own path, achieving financial independence from Musk since 2020—a significant milestone considering her father’s wealth. "Thank God," she remarked, emphasizing her relief to distance herself from Musk both emotionally and financially. Although she is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the world, she is navigating her own life goals free from his shadow.
Vivian's narrative captivated the media, making her a noteworthy figure amidst the complex dynamics of the Musk family. Her critiques are underscored by poignant observations about the roles of wealth and celebrity in family relationships. “I just don’t have room to care anymore,” she stated, reinforcing her determination to carve out her own identity and destiny, distinctly separate from her father's controversies.
Despite being an estranged daughter, Wilson has a keen interest in discussions about transgender issues and public policy impacting the community. She voiced her concerns about recent attempts to legislate against transgender rights, stating, "As a trans woman, I am terrified of losing access to guaranteed medical care." Her advocacy highlights the importance of supportive policies for transgender youth, especially when it comes to issues like sex reassignment surgery and puberty blockers.
With her backdrop of familial and social challenges, Wilson has stepped into her voice as an advocate. As a young transgender woman who transitioned during her teenage years, she emphasizes, "There’s so much villainization of that, and I would really like to raise awareness of the fact that trans care for minors, especially puberty blockers, is really important.” Her remarks serve as a rallying call for those who support LGBTQ+ youth and the medical care they often need.
In summation, Vivian Jenna Wilson's story is emblematic of the struggles, complexities, and triumphs of growing up in an extraordinary family while establishing one's own identity. Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences with Musk provides a candid look at not just their fraught relationship but also the broader cultural conversations surrounding wealth, status, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities today.
