Elon Musk recently made controversial statements about his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, in an interview with conservative psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO described his transgender daughter’s transition as a result of what he referred to as the “woke mind virus,” claiming that he was “tricked” into agreeing to gender-affirming care.
Musk, who shares Vivian with his ex-wife Justine Wilson, claimed that the decision to permit gender-affirming procedures for his daughter was made under false pretenses. According to Musk, he was misled into signing documents that authorized these procedures, believing it was necessary to prevent Vivian from potentially committing suicide.
In the interview, Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and he referred to his daughter using her deadname and male pronouns. This choice of language has drawn criticism from mental health professionals, who argue that such actions can have significant negative effects on a transgender person’s mental health. Dr. Jason Lambrese, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, noted that deadnaming can exacerbate gender dysphoria and lead to increased depression and anxiety.
Musk’s comments have sparked widespread backlash, with many viewing his statements as deeply hurtful. The use of deadnames and incorrect pronouns is seen by many as a form of aggression against transgender individuals. Despite this, Musk has expressed no remorse, stating that his experiences have fueled his determination to combat what he perceives as the “woke mind virus.”
The conflict between Musk and Vivian, who legally changed her name and gender at age 18, has been marked by public statements and legal battles. Vivian’s petition to sever ties with her father was filed in 2022, citing a desire to distance herself from him and his views.
Musk’s ongoing public criticism of gender-affirming care and his derogatory remarks about the transgender community have added to the controversy surrounding his personal and professional life. His recent threats to relocate the headquarters of his companies from California to Texas further underscore his stance on issues related to gender identity and state policies.
As the debate continues, Musk’s comments have intensified discussions on the impact of public figures’ statements on the LGBTQ+ community and the broader implications for societal attitudes towards gender identity.