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Elon Musk’s Daughter Criticizes Him Publicly

Elon Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, is speaking out against her father. Wilson, 20, criticized the Tesla CEO as an “uncaring and narcissistic” father who was cruel to her during her childhood for being feminine in her first public interview.

Wilson’s comments to NBC News come after Musk made statements about her transgender identity, calling her “not a girl” and figuratively “dead.” The SpaceX founder also claimed he had been “tricked” into authorizing gender-affirming care for his daughter when she was 16, a claim Wilson was quick to refute.

“I think he was under the assumption that I wasn’t going to say anything and I would just let this go unchallenged,” said Wilson, who, along with her twin brother, was born to Musk’s first wife, author Justine Musk. “Which I’m not going to do, because if you’re going to lie about me, like, blatantly to an audience of millions, I’m not just going to let that slide.”

Wilson continued that for as long as she can remember, Musk has been an absent father, despite having joint custody of his children. When he was present, Wilson said her father was “cold,” “very quick to anger,” “uncaring and narcissistic.” Wilson recalled being punished for having a voice that was too high when she was just in elementary school, calling Musk’s treatment “cruel.”

Musk spoke publicly about Wilson last week during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, deadnaming his daughter and saying she was “dead, killed by the woke mind virus.” Then on X (formerly Twitter), Musk claimed that Wilson was “born gay and slightly autistic,” going on to fit gay stereotypes like loving musicals and using the word “fabulous” to describe clothing at age 4.

Wilson spoke out against the comments made by her father on Threads at the time, writing that her father’s account was “entirely fake.” She continued, “This entire thing is completely made up, and there’s a reason for this. 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.”

Elon Musk attends ‘Exploring the New Frontiers of Innovation: Mark Read in Conversation with Elon Musk’ session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity 2024 – Day Three on June 19, 2024, in Cannes, France. – Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

Wilson’s candid revelations have added further complexities to the public’s perception of Musk, who has frequently been in the spotlight for both his professional successes and personal controversies. She insists that her story is important to share, especially in light of her father’s influential public status and often polarizing opinions.

The strained relationship between Wilson and her father has been a topic of much speculation. While Musk remains one of the most prominent figures in the tech world, Wilson’s bold move to speak publicly against him has sparked conversations about the often-overlooked personal lives of well-known figures and the impact of their actions on their families.

Wilson’s decision to go public with her story seems rooted in a desire for honesty and rectification. Her criticism is particularly focused on Musk’s characterization of her and his comments about her gender identity, which she feels misrepresent her and overlook the genuine struggles she has faced growing up with a complex identity.

Public reaction to Wilson’s interview has been mixed, with some expressing support for her courage to talk openly about her experiences, while others remain skeptical of the timing and motivations behind her revelations. However, what remains clear is the far-reaching influence Musk’s actions and words have, not just on his business and followers but also on his own family.

This family drama underscores the broader societal debates on gender identity, parental roles, and the impact of public figures’ private lives on their public personas. As a result, Wilson’s disclosures are more than a family dispute; they contribute to ongoing dialogues about acceptance, support, and understanding in families with transgender children.

Wilson hopes that her story will inspire other young people who face similar struggles to speak out and seek the support they need. She emphasizes the importance of community and acceptance in overcoming personal battles and navigating complicated family dynamics.

As the story continues to unfold, it evokes a potential reevaluation of how influential figures address and represent the personal challenges and identities of their children. Wilson’s willingness to confront her father publicly is a reminder of the powerful voices that young people hold in the ever-evolving conversation on identity and rights.

Source: NBC News