Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently opened up about his strained relationship with his 20-year-old daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, whom he shares with his ex-wife Justine Wilson. In a candid interview with The Daily Wire, Musk shared his thoughts on the difficult situation, revealing that he feels his daughter was “killed” in his eyes by what he refers to as the “woke mind virus.” Musk’s remarks focus on Vivian’s decision to come out as transgender and pursue gender-affirming care, which, according to him, led to the severing of their relationship.

Vivian, who legally changed her name in 2022 to reflect her gender identity, filed a petition in court to change her name and sever ties with her biological father. In her court documents, she made it clear that she no longer wished to have any contact with Musk, stating, “I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form.” This decision came after Vivian underwent gender-affirming procedures, which Musk claims he was manipulated into consenting to. According to Musk, he was told that if he did not sign the necessary documents allowing Vivian to receive the gender-affirming care, she might commit suicide, a threat that led him to sign the papers without fully understanding the situation.

Musk, visibly emotional during the interview, expressed how the situation had deeply affected him, claiming that in his eyes, he had essentially lost his son. He explained that the term “deadnaming,” which refers to calling someone by their birth name after they have transitioned, is particularly painful to him because, as he put it, his son was “killed by the woke mind virus.” He also voiced his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus,” suggesting that he believes the influence of this cultural shift is to blame for the rupture in their father-daughter relationship.

Despite the breakdown in his relationship with Vivian, Musk emphasized that he still maintains strong relationships with his other children. In a separate interview with the Financial Times, published on June 23rd, Musk spoke about his bonds with his other children, saying, “I have very good relationships with all the others.” Musk’s statement seemed to acknowledge the pain of the estrangement while expressing gratitude for the remaining connections he shares with his other kids.

The tension between Musk and Vivian reflects broader cultural and political debates surrounding transgender rights, gender identity, and the concept of the “woke” culture. Musk, known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions, has frequently criticized what he perceives as an overreach of progressive ideologies, particularly regarding issues like gender identity. He has been vocal in opposing what he views as the rise of “wokeness” in society, arguing that it has led to negative consequences, both socially and personally, for individuals who do not conform to these evolving norms.

For Musk, the rejection by his daughter appears to be a painful consequence of this ideological conflict. He has described the situation as a tragic loss, feeling that his daughter’s decision to transition, coupled with the surrounding cultural influences, caused a permanent rift between them. His comments about the “woke mind virus” seem to indicate that Musk believes Vivian’s decision was influenced by external pressures rather than her own authentic feelings, a view that has drawn criticism from some quarters who argue that individuals should be allowed to make their own decisions regarding their identity and health.

The fallout with Vivian is a deeply personal matter for Musk, one that has affected his family life in a way that contrasts with the public image of the billionaire entrepreneur. While Musk’s business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, continue to thrive and captivate global audiences, the emotional cost of these personal battles is not lost on him. It is clear that his relationship with Vivian has become one of the most painful aspects of his life, a reminder of the complexities of family dynamics in an era of heightened cultural conflict.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s relationship with his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson remains fractured, largely due to their differing views on gender identity and the cultural forces Musk believes are influencing her. While Musk has spoken about the profound impact this has had on him, he continues to maintain positive relationships with his other children. The situation underscores the deeply personal nature of family dynamics, especially in a world where societal debates on gender, identity, and progressive movements are increasingly shaping individual relationships. Musk’s decision to speak publicly about this rift reveals the emotional complexity of his position as a father, a businessman, and a figurehead in the broader societal conversation.