Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” by receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 after receiving care during the pandemic.
Musk reflected on a time when he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to Wilson’s transition, alleging that he was misinformed about the implications of puberty blockers, which he claimed were not adequately explained as “sterilization drugs.” He expressed deep regret about losing his son, emphasizing the emotional toll of the term “deadnaming.”
This public statement follows Musk’s recent announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, influenced by California’s AB1955, which restricts school policies regarding parental notification for transgender identification. Musk has faced criticism for accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-transgender messaging.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a revised birth certificate, distancing herself legally from Musk. His strained relationship with her has been attributed to various factors, including the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles. Over recent years, Musk’s political stance has shifted dramatically from center-left to embracing more right-wing views, touching on various socio-political issues.