Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks regarding his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, stating she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Musk denounced gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” During the pandemic, when Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16, Musk claimed he was misled into endorsing her treatment. He mentioned feeling pressured due to concerns about her mental health, suggesting the perception that she might take her own life.
The billionaire argued that these procedures are performed on minors who cannot give consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiments that such practices are “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates should face incarceration. Musk expressed frustration over not being fully informed that puberty blockers are linked to sterilization, although it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not directly affect fertility.
Musk lamented that he feels he has lost his son due to the situation, referencing the term “deadnaming” which denotes the use of a transgender person’s previous name.
His comments come shortly after announcing that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, criticizing California’s AB1955 law. This legislation prohibits schools from notifying parents if a student identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans views in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wants any association with her biological father. Musk, according to a biography by Walter Isaacson, has attributed their estrangement to Wilson’s progressive environment in Los Angeles, suggesting it has influenced his “anti-woke” attitudes.
Musk’s political stance has shifted in recent years from center-left to adopting more right-wing viewpoints, including support for the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, who oppose clean energy initiatives.