Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial statements regarding his transgender daughter following her receipt of gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by these medical procedures, which he has labeled as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk recounted feeling deceived into signing documents concerning his daughter’s care, expressing that he was misled during a time of confusion brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that he was told his child might commit suicide if he didn’t consent to the treatment.
The CEO further criticized the medical practices involved, asserting that they are being performed on minors who are under the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that promoting such treatments is “incredibly evil” and should lead to imprisonment for advocates. He also mentioned that he was not fully informed about the implications of puberty blockers, which are used in these treatments but do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk expressed deep regret, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He also drew attention to the term “deadnaming,” indicating that it symbolizes a loss for parents when children transition.
These remarks emerge amidst Musk’s recent announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas, largely due to California’s new SAFETY Act, which provides protections for transgender students in schools. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
Wilson, who applied to change her name and birth certificate in 2022, has expressed a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her education at a progressive school in Los Angeles, a dynamic that he believes informs his public anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk, who previously held centrist political views, has increasingly aligned with right-wing ideologies, taking stances on various controversial issues, including diversity and clean energy.