Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. He claimed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, vowing to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing his belief that such procedures are performed on minors who cannot legally consent. He stated that he felt misled into signing documents for Wilson when she transitioned. Musk indicated that there was confusion during the pandemic when he was told that Wilson might consider suicide if he did not consent to her treatment.
He criticized the use of puberty blockers, suggesting they were not adequately explained to him and calling them “sterilization drugs.” He expressed distress over what he termed “deadnaming,” arguing that it signifies the loss of his son.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced plans to relocate his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, to Texas, largely in response to California’s legislation that limits parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity. In previous instances, Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments.
Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, stating in court documents that she wishes to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the progressive culture at her school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. Over recent years, Musk’s political stance has shifted rightward, embracing various right-leaning views on multiple social issues.