Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged daughter of billionaire Elon Musk, has taken to social media to publicly refute her father’s recent statements regarding her childhood and transition. In a series of posts on Threads, Wilson, who is transgender, challenged Musk’s claims, asserting that they are not only false but also rooted in harmful stereotypes.
Musk had shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he described Wilson as “born gay and slightly autistic.” He recounted a fabricated story about her childhood, claiming that she would pick out clothes for him and refer to them as “fabulous.” In her response, Wilson vehemently denied these assertions, labeling them as “entirely fake.”
“I never picked out jackets for him to wear and I was most certainly not calling them ‘fabulous’ because literally what the (f**k). I did not use the word fabulous when I was four,” she stated, emphasizing her age at the time. Wilson pointed out that Musk’s portrayal of her childhood is a gross misrepresentation, as he was largely absent during her formative years.
She elaborated on her experiences growing up, revealing that she faced relentless harassment for her femininity and queerness. “He doesn’t know what I was like as a child because he quite simply wasn’t there, and in the little time that he was, I was relentlessly harassed for my femininity and queerness,” Wilson wrote.
Musk’s recent comments come amid a broader trend of his increasing alignment with right-wing politics, where he has shared various anti-trans and anti-immigration sentiments. In an interview with Canadian psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed he was “tricked” into consenting to Wilson’s transition during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that he was misled about the implications of the medical documents he signed. He has since vowed to combat what he refers to as the “woke mind virus,” which he claims has negatively impacted his family.
Wilson’s response to her father’s claims is not just a defense of her identity but also a critique of Musk’s public persona. She accused him of using her story to garner sympathy while simultaneously perpetuating harmful narratives about transgender individuals. “This entire thing is completely made up and there’s a reason for this,” she stated, suggesting that Musk’s comments are a desperate attempt for attention.
In her posts, Wilson also addressed Musk’s assertion that she is “not a girl.” She firmly stated, “I’m legally recognized as a woman in the state of California and I don’t concern myself with the opinions of those who are below me.” This declaration underscores her commitment to her identity and her rejection of her father’s narrative.
Wilson’s public rebuttal marks a significant moment in her ongoing estrangement from Musk. In 2022, she legally changed her name from Xavier to Vivian and distanced herself from the Musk surname, indicating her desire to separate her identity from her father’s controversial public image.
The tension between Wilson and Musk has been exacerbated by Musk’s previous derogatory remarks about gender pronouns and his dismissal of terms like “cisgender,” which he labeled a “slur.” Under his leadership, X has rolled back protections for transgender individuals, further alienating many in the LGBTQ+ community.
In her posts, Wilson also criticized Musk’s claims about her interests as a child, specifically his assertion that she had a love for musicals and theater from a young age. “I did not have a ‘love of musicals & theatre’ when I was four, because y’know… I was f****g four,” she remarked, highlighting the absurdity of her father’s narrative.
Wilson’s statements reflect a broader struggle within families regarding acceptance and understanding of transgender identities. Her experiences of harassment and emotional neglect at the hands of her father paint a stark contrast to the image Musk often projects as a successful and involved parent.
In a world where public figures wield significant influence over societal perceptions of gender and identity, Wilson’s decision to speak out is both courageous and necessary. She has become a voice for many who feel marginalized and misunderstood, particularly within the context of familial relationships.
As the discourse surrounding gender identity continues to evolve, Wilson’s rebuttal serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and the need for understanding and support within families. Her rejection of her father’s narrative is not just a personal statement; it is a call for greater awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals and their experiences.
In conclusion, Vivian Jenna Wilson’s public refutation of Elon Musk’s statements highlights the complexities of their relationship and the broader societal issues surrounding gender identity. Her courageous stand against her father’s mischaracterizations is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and authenticity in the face of public scrutiny.
Source: CNN, Reuters
