Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and stated that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16 and sought gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He recounted feeling deceived into signing documents related to Wilson’s transition, mentioning concerns about her mental health amidst the confusion of COVID-19. He asserted that he was told she might attempt suicide.
The CEO criticized medical procedures for children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, claimed that it was never clarified to him that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, although they do not affect fertility on their own.
Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He referred to the term “deadnaming,” noting its significance in his perspective about his relationship with Wilson.
His remarks come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and obligates the State Department to provide support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives in the past.
In 2022, Wilson pursued a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating that she did not wish to be associated with her biological father. Musk, according to Walter Isaacson’s biography, has attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles and has suggested that this dynamic contributes to his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk, previously known for his moderate political views, has increasingly adopted right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including diversity initiatives and election integrity. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.