Elon Musk Blames Transgender Community for Tesla Vandalism After Daughter's Criticism

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again found himself at the center of a media storm following a series of controversial comments he made on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). His transphobic rant was posted just hours after his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who is transgender, gave an interview to Teen Vogue, in which she harshly criticized her father, calling him a “pathetic man-child.”

Musk’s comments have sparked widespread backlash and raised questions about his views on transgender people, hormone therapy, and violence.

Vivian, who is now 20 years old, has had a strained relationship with her father for several years. In her Teen Vogue interview, she spoke candidly about her experiences growing up under Musk’s shadow and her views on his political affiliations, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump.

When asked about her father’s controversial remarks and political stance, Vivian didn’t hold back. She described Musk’s support for Trump as part of the “cartoonishly evil” administration, referring to their policies and actions as harmful.

Vivian didn’t just criticize her father’s political leanings. She also condemned his behavior in the wake of the Nazi salute accusations, calling them “insane.”

Musk had previously denied any connection to such gestures, but Vivian’s scathing remarks further emphasized the distance between them. The tension between father and daughter was palpable, and it became clear that their relationship had been irreparably damaged.

Speaking to Teen Vogue, Vivian shared that she hasn’t spoken to Musk since 2020, and in her view, his wealth and status as the world’s richest man didn’t earn him any respect. She bluntly stated, “He’s a pathetic man-child. Why would I feel scared of him?”

Vivian’s words were unflinching, and she made it clear that she didn’t care about Musk’s immense fortune or his ownership of Twitter. “I don’t give a f*** how much money anyone has,” she continued. “I don’t. I really don’t. He owns Twitter. Okay. Congratulations. People thrive off of fear. I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind. The only thing that gets to live free in my mind are drag queens.”

Musk, who is no stranger to controversy, did not address his daughter’s interview directly. Instead, he took to X to share a series of inflammatory and unfounded comments about transgender people. In a post, Musk claimed, “hormone injections cause extreme emotional volatility,” a statement that has been widely criticized for being misleading and harmful.

Musk’s post, which was made the same day that Vivian’s interview was published, seemed to target the transgender community, particularly those who undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy. His statement suggested a dangerous and unsubstantiated link between hormone therapy and emotional instability, a claim that has been debunked by numerous medical professionals and researchers.

Musk’s comments didn’t end there. When questioned about the growing animosity toward his car brand, Tesla, he responded with a baseless claim about “trans violence.” “What are the statistics on trans violence?” Musk asked rhetorically. “The probability of a trans person being violent appears to be vastly higher than non-trans.”

He also added that hormone injections were responsible for “extreme emotional volatility,” a statement that lacked scientific backing and only added fuel to the fire of his already controversial opinions.

The comments came after a post was shared on X claiming that 3 in 4 people arrested for vandalizing Teslas were transgender or non-binary. This claim was immediately disputed, as there was no evidence to support the allegation, and the identities of the individuals involved in the recent vandalism incident at a Tesla dealership in Canada were not yet released.

Nevertheless, Musk, who has long used social media to voice his opinions, amplified the false narrative by quoting a graphic that stated, “Wow, trans violence is EXTREMELY FAR above normal levels.”

The rhetoric Musk used in his posts seemed to link transgender individuals with violence, a dangerous and harmful generalization that has been widely condemned by advocates for transgender rights. It is important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that transgender people are more violent than non-transgender individuals.

In fact, research indicates that transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

Musk’s comments about hormone therapy and trans violence were also deeply problematic. A review conducted by researchers at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers and the University of Exeter found that gender-affirming hormone therapy has a positive impact on the mental health of transgender people, reducing depression and psychological distress.

This contradicts Musk’s claims about hormone therapy causing emotional instability.

Musk’s unfounded statements have caused significant distress among the transgender community and their allies. His influential platform, X, which has millions of users, is seen by many as an ideal space for fostering positive conversations and promoting understanding. However, Musk’s recent comments have done the opposite, spreading misinformation and contributing to harmful stereotypes about transgender people.

This is not the first time Musk has made controversial remarks about marginalized groups. In the past, he has made headlines for his dismissive attitude toward issues like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and workers’ rights.

His combative style and tendency to engage in Twitter feuds have earned him both supporters and critics, but his recent transphobic posts have pushed many people to question whether his views are becoming more extreme.

Musk’s comments also raise concerns about the broader implications for social media and public discourse. As one of the wealthiest and most influential individuals in the world, Musk wields significant power in shaping public opinion.

His statements about transgender people and hormone therapy are not just isolated comments but part of a broader pattern of harmful rhetoric that can have real-world consequences for transgender individuals, especially those who are already vulnerable to discrimination and violence.

Vivian’s remarks about her father have taken on new significance in light of his recent posts. Her decision to publicly criticize Musk, despite his wealth and power, speaks to the strength of her convictions and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of personal adversity.

Her words are a reminder that no one, not even a billionaire, is beyond reproach, and that individuals have the right to speak out against harmful views and practices.

The fallout from Musk’s transphobic rant is still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how his comments will impact his reputation and his businesses. However, the larger issue at hand is the need for continued advocacy and education around transgender rights and issues. As the world’s richest man, Musk has a responsibility to use his platform for good, not to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation.

Until he acknowledges the harm caused by his words, many will continue to question his commitment to creating a more inclusive and just society.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s transphobic rant following his daughter’s interview highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community, particularly when powerful figures spread harmful misinformation. It is crucial for individuals, especially those in positions of influence, to be mindful of the words they use and the impact those words can have on vulnerable populations.

The conversation about transgender rights, hormone therapy, and violence is far from over, and it is up to each of us to ensure that it is one rooted in compassion, understanding, and truth.