Elon Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has publicly addressed inaccuracies about her childhood that her father reportedly discussed during an interview with psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson. According to reports, Musk claimed that Vivian, who is transgender, used to choose his clothes and describe them as “fabulous” at the age of four.
Vivian has contested these statements, describing them as “completely made up” and accusing Musk of fabricating details about her past in an attempt to undermine her experience.
Vivian expressed frustration over Musk’s portrayal of her childhood, stating that he was largely absent and only present about 10% of the time. Despite a court awarding Musk half custody, Vivian recalls experiencing significant harassment due to her femininity and queerness during his infrequent visits. This absence has led her to assert that Musk’s understanding of her childhood is deeply flawed.
Vivian also criticized Musk for reducing her to a “happy little stereotype,” arguing that his comments reveal a troubling attitude towards queer people and children. She has not been in contact with Musk for around four years and feels his portrayal of her life does not reflect reality.
Additionally, Musk discussed in the interview feeling “tricked” into allowing Vivian to undergo transition treatments during her teenage years, including hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers. Vivian countered this claim, asserting that her father was fully informed about the treatment’s nature and effects, contradicting his narrative.
Musk’s interview also touched on the concept of “deadnaming,” where a transgender person is called by their birth name. He expressed deep loss, saying that his son was essentially “dead” to him due to the use of her chosen name. Musk and Vivian’s mother, Justine Wilson, share six children, and Musk has an additional six children from previous relationships.
