Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks during a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. This statement led him to assert his desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” claiming that his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, who identifies as transgender and no longer uses his last name, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed feelings of being deceived into signing documents related to her medical care, stating that concerns over her potential suicide at the time contributed to his decision-making process.
He criticized the practice of providing treatments to minors, voicing agreement with Peterson’s claim that it is “incredibly evil” to promote such procedures, suggesting that those advocating for them should face imprisonment. Musk also expressed that he was misled regarding puberty blockers, asserting that he was unaware they could lead to sterilization, a claim contested by medical experts who state that puberty blockers do not directly cause infertility.
The timing of Musk’s remarks follows his announcement that his companies, including X (formerly Twitter) and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas, partly in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which limits school policies on notifying parents when a child identifies as transgender. Musk’s relationship with his daughter has reportedly strained over issues related to her education and progressive ideologies, and she has distanced herself from him, seeking a name change and new birth certificate to reflect her identity.
In recent years, Musk has shifted politically from center-left to aligning more with right-wing views, openly endorsing Republican candidates and taking stances against diversity initiatives, election fraud, and clean energy initiatives.
This situation underscores the ongoing debates around gender identity and children’s rights, highlighting the deeply personal narratives intertwined with societal issues. Musk’s comments are re-igniting discussions about the responsibilities of parents, medical professionals, and lawmakers in the context of youth transitioning.
As public discourse continues, the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding across differing viewpoints will be crucial in navigating these complex issues. Offering a platform for diverse experiences and maintaining an empathetic approach could help bridge gaps in understanding.