Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged daughter of tech billionaire Elon Musk, has recently stirred up considerable media attention with candid remarks about her complicated family dynamics and her work as a transgender advocate. In her second major public interview, featured in Teen Vogue, Wilson, 20, opened up about her feelings towards her father, whom she has not spoken to since coming out as trans in 2020. Her comments underscore both her estrangement from Musk and her commitment to advocating for transgender rights.
Wilson, formerly known as Xavier Alexander Musk, has faced a tumultuous relationship with her father, largely due to Musk's views and public statements surrounding transgender issues. After changing her name and gender legally at the age of 18, she distanced herself from her father's influence, declaring in court that she “no longer live[s] with or wish[es] to be related to [her] biological father in any way, shape or form.” This estrangement became even more evident when she labeled Musk a “pathetic man-child,” while asserting she does not fear him due to his wealth or status.
“I don’t care how much money anyone has. I don’t. I really don’t. He owns Twitter. Okay. Congratulations,” Wilson stated, reinforcing her independence from the family name that once defined her existence.
One of the notable points raised during her interview was Wilson’s admission regarding her knowledge of her own extended family. “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, adding a wry sense of humor that belies the underlying tension of her family ties. Currently, Musk has a confirmed 12 children, with a potential 13th child claimed by conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair, which complicates Wilson's familial landscape.
As she navigates her identity and public life, Wilson has expressed her commitment to advocating for transgender rights. She has openly criticized Musk's lack of emotional support during her transition and his derogatory comments about gender-affirming care for minors. In previous statements, Musk has described his daughter’s transition with phrases like “I lost my son, essentially,” a sentiment that Wilson found hurtful and dismissive.
“He was cold. He’s very quick to anger. He is uncaring and narcissistic,” she recalled, emphasizing the emotional distance she felt throughout her childhood. Citing recent political developments under the Trump administration, she voiced her concern over increasing anti-trans policies, stating, “It’s terrifying. Every time I open my phone to read the news, I kind of just stare at the wall for 10 minutes.”
Wilson also addressed Musk’s controversial gesture during the inauguration of former President Trump, where she claimed he performed a Nazi salute. “The Nazi salute shit was insane. Honey, we’re going to call a fig a fig, and we’re going to call a Nazi salute what it was,” she stated, further distancing herself from his evolving political identity.
Despite her estrangement, Wilson remains close to her mother, Justine Musk, who has supported her throughout her transition. “She was very supportive of my transition,” Wilson said. The resolve of Wilson to separate herself from the “woke mind virus” comments made by her father highlights her desire to assert her own identity apart from his high-profile persona.
Living in Tokyo and studying languages, Wilson is also exploring her passion for sharing her story, envisioning opportunities in Twitch streaming and reality television. “I feel like Twitch streaming would be so much fun. It is my absolute dream to be on a reality show,” she shared. Further distancing herself from her family, she laughed at the thought of others’ perceptions while acknowledging, “I haven’t made any money from being famous at all. I have made zero dollars and zero cents.”
There is a certain irony that while Musk advocates for things he believes in on his platform, Wilson emphasizes her independence from his influence and her commitment to a future that supports the community she champions. “People thrive off of fear. I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind,” she summarized, emphasizing her confidence in processing her family’s complexities while standing firm in her advocacy.
As the dynamic between Vivian Wilson and Elon Musk continues to unfold, she serves as a powerful voice not only for herself but for countless others navigating similar family dynamics and societal issues. While Musk continues to break boundaries in technology and industry, his daughter's journey diverges sharply from his, illustrating an ongoing narrative of personal struggle and empowerment.
