Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk's daughter, has opened up about her complex family dynamics in a recent interview with Teen Vogue. At 20 years old, Wilson painted a not-so-flattering portrait of her billionaire father, discussing the challenges of growing up with Musk's numerous children and the broader implications of his public persona.
In the interview, Wilson revealed that her father has fathered 12 children with three women, a fact that serves as a backdrop to her own identity struggles. "I grew up with four siblings," Wilson disclosed, "I'm the eldest. But when we fought, it wasn't really verbal. I’ve lost count of my siblings." Her candid remarks underscore the tumultuous nature of her childhood, exacerbated by the revelation of new family members as they surfaced within the media.
Making headlines earlier this year, Ashley St. Clair claimed to be the fourth mother of one of Musk's children, an announcement that only added to the complexity of Wilson's familial connections. Meanwhile, Shivon Zilis, a high-ranking executive at Neuralink, revealed in 2024 that she had welcomed their fourth child together. Reflecting on her family, Wilson noted, "I found out about Shivon Zilis's existence when everyone else did. I had no idea." This only emphasizes the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Musk's personal life.
Moreover, discussing her relationship with pop star Grimes, Wilson recollected, “There was a time when Grimes and I didn’t really communicate, as I had no contact with anyone in this family,” suggesting a disconnection not only from her father but from other family members as well.
In a larger cultural context, Wilson's comments cannot be detached from her identity as a trans woman, especially in the light of current political climates. She expressed disdain for her father's alignment with Donald Trump, whom she characterized as a "pathetic baby" during the interview. Amid Trump’s rollback of transgender rights, Wilson commented, "Why should I be afraid of him?" This statement came as she emphasized her commitment to the trans community.
In stark contrast to her father's affirmed beliefs, Wilson is firmly planted on a pro-trans agenda. “Every time I open my phone to read the news, I'm struck by the systematic targeting of marginalized communities under this administration,” she lamented, referencing Trump's hostile policies toward transgender individuals.
Vivian continued, “Donald Trump declared that he wanted to end the ‘transgender delirium.’ Actions like these are a direct threat to my existence. The disinvestment in our rights is horrifying.” She also recognized the ongoing legal battles against such policies, noting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is currently pursuing Trump for alleged unconstitutional actions regarding transgender rights.
Meanwhile, her father recently attempted to label Wilson as "killed by the woke mind virus," a phrase he used during an interview with influencer Jordan Peterson, further amplifying familial tensions. In response, Wilson decried these allegations as false and stated on Threads, "None of this ever happened. I don’t even know where he got that. He must have taken some gay stereotypes from Milo Yiannopoulos and thrown them in the mix." She underscored her legal recognition as a woman in California, asserting, "I’m not concerned with his opinions. Elon can’t say the same, as he desperately seeks validation from his followers.”
On her social media, she urged others, “Go touch grass!,” advocating for mental health and healthy social interactions amidst the overwhelming negativity often associated with high-profile families.
This intricate family saga brings to light the ongoing discussions surrounding gender identity, familial relationships, and the surrounding sociopolitical landscapes. With a staggering number of children and overlapping relationships, the Musk family reflects the complexities of modern society. As Vivian Jenna Wilson carves out her own identity amidst these swirling narratives, she embodies a growing voice of resilience in the face of patriarchal design and social turbulence.
In a concluding thought, Wilson humorously remarked, "I won't let anybody steal my joy; I focus on drag queens!" A testament to her spirit, Vivian Jenna Wilson remains a compelling figure amid a polarized public discourse.
