Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, suggesting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk condemned gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that his daughter, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, received such care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed that he felt misled into providing consent for medical procedures related to his child, explaining that he was under pressure due to concerns about potential suicide. He argued that the medical decisions made for children occur before they can legally consent and agreed with Peterson’s assertion that promoting such options is exceedingly harmful, calling for punishment for those who advocate for it.
Claiming he was unaware that puberty blockers could be termed as sterilization drugs, Musk emphasized his feelings of loss regarding his child, stating that the term ‘deadnaming’ reflects the mourning for a lost son.
These comments surfaced shortly after Musk declared that his companies X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act, which restricts schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past for his public statements.
Wilson applied for a name change in 2022, stating that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive education, suggesting that it has fueled his “anti-woke” sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from moderate views to adopt more conservative stances, particularly on issues surrounding diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed former President Donald Trump and Republican Senator J.D. Vance, who both support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.