Elon Musk’s turbulent relationship with his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson has once again taken center stage in the media, this time in a high-profile, dramatic display. Vivian, who has openly clashed with her billionaire father over political and personal disagreements, took part in the Save Her drag show at the Bellwether in Los Angeles last night.
The 21-year-old social media personality, activist, and daughter of the Tesla and SpaceX mogul wowed the crowd, proudly waving a trans flag as she performed, raising funds for immigrant legal defense funds in a show of solidarity with those affected by Trump-era immigration policies.
The Save Her drag show, produced by acclaimed drag artist Pattie Gonia, was announced as a benefit event where 100% of the proceeds would go toward funding the legal defense of immigrants, particularly those targeted by ICE raids in predominantly Latino areas. The show coincided with growing unrest in California, where peaceful demonstrations against federal immigration sweeps descended into violence, fueling further controversy about President Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.
Amidst these political tensions, Vivian’s bold performance took on even more significance. Draped in a black catsuit with a metal-structured corset, she took to the stage with the trans flag proudly raised above her head, cutting shapes and flaunting her flexibility, as her long blonde hair cascaded down her back. Her unique dark eyeshadow and lipstick made her look like an icon in the making, and at one point, she kicked her black high-heeled boot behind her head in a striking display of strength and grace.
As she posed and danced, it was clear that Vivian was not just performing—she was making a statement about her identity, her beliefs, and her unwavering support for marginalized communities.
For Vivian, this was more than just a performance—it was a challenge to the views of her estranged father, Elon Musk, who has famously criticized modern "woke" culture and expressed controversial opinions about gender identity. Musk, known for his conservative political views and libertarian beliefs, has clashed with his daughter over her decision to transition and her outspoken activism.
Last year, Musk claimed that he had been "tricked" by the "woke mind virus" into allowing Vivian to become a transgender woman. He further described those promoting gender transition as "incredibly evil" and suggested that they should be imprisoned for promoting what he sees as a harmful ideology.
This father-daughter rift has deepened in recent years, as their political and personal differences have become more pronounced. While Musk has consistently supported conservative policies, including Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration, Vivian has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant justice.
It’s clear that the two no longer share the same ideological platform, and their relationship has become strained as a result.
Vivian’s decision to publicly embrace her identity as a transgender woman was not made lightly. In a candid interview with Teen Vogue, she recalled the mental breakdowns she experienced while grappling with her identity in school. “I just wanted to rot, pretty much. It was like, I cannot do this anymore. If I stay in the closet anymore, this is going to take me down a very destructive path,” she said, revealing the emotional toll that gender dysphoria took on her.
Just two days after this realization, Vivian came out publicly on Instagram, well before informing her mother, Justine Wilson. Though her mother was supportive, Vivian had not been in contact with Musk for months before making the decision to transition, and she now admits that she regrets how the coming-out process unfolded.
Despite Musk’s lack of support, Vivian has found strength in her independence. Since coming out as transgender, she has become financially independent from her billionaire father and now lives abroad, studying languages and building a life separate from the shadow of her father’s wealth and influence. While Musk’s fortune has always loomed large over her, Vivian has made it clear that she does not rely on her father’s wealth, instead carving out her own path as a digital influencer.
“I haven’t made any money from being famous at all. I have made zero dollars and zero cents. I do live in a lot of people's heads rent-free, though,” she quipped during an interview.
Vivian has also become a self-proclaimed “Queen of Threads,” a direct rival to her father’s social media platform, X. She regularly mocks Musk’s company, often taking jabs at its shortcomings and the controversies surrounding its ownership. In addition to her social media presence, Vivian has expressed a deep love for drag culture, a passion she says is part of her identity.
"It’s on my bucket list to win a drag pageant," she said with excitement, even mentioning that she would likely choose to appear as a "drag king." This reflects not only her boldness but also her defiance against the traditional gender norms that Musk has publicly supported.
In a recent interview, Vivian also shared some surprising details about her relationship with her half-siblings. She candidly admitted that she didn’t know how many siblings she had and learned about Grimes' second child through a Reddit post by a drag queen.
At the time, Vivian and Grimes had not been in communication, though their relationship appears to have improved in recent years. She also learned about Musk’s rumored new child with conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair the same way—through a Reddit post. These revelations only underscore the widening gap between Vivian and her father’s family.
Despite the tensions in their relationship, Vivian has made it clear that she no longer cares about Musk’s opinions. “I don’t give a fk about him,” she said bluntly in a recent interview. She called her father a “pathetic man-child” and labeled his behavior as “fking cringe.” Vivian’s frustration with her father’s views extends beyond just his stance on transgender rights.
She has also criticized his public behavior, including his alleged Nazi salute at a rally with MAGA supporters. In an Instagram post, she mocked Musk’s behavior, saying, “I love being proven right,” showing that she finds satisfaction in the growing distance between them.
Musk’s reaction to Vivian’s activism and public persona has been nothing short of explosive. According to sources close to the billionaire, Musk has been enraged by his daughter’s outspokenness, particularly her involvement in the drag show and her continued support for immigration reform.
One insider claimed that Musk felt “betrayed” by Vivian’s decision to publicly embrace her transgender identity and her alliance with left-wing causes. “He doesn’t understand why she’s doing this,” the source said, adding that Musk finds her political views "disturbing."
While Musk has often been seen as a staunch defender of free speech and individual rights, his reaction to Vivian’s activism has been more aligned with his conservative political views, which he has increasingly expressed in recent years. Musk’s refusal to accept his daughter’s identity and his criticism of the LGBTQ+ community have left a lasting strain on their relationship.
Vivian’s public persona as an advocate for trans rights and immigrant justice is a stark contrast to her father’s billionaire libertarian outlook. While Elon Musk continues to champion free-market policies and conservative ideals, his daughter has made it her mission to use her platform to support marginalized communities, especially those impacted by the harsh immigration policies that Musk has largely stayed silent on.
This ongoing family drama is likely to continue to unfold in the public eye, with Vivian’s increasing popularity and her father’s polarizing public statements ensuring that their ideological divide will only grow.
As Vivian continues to break down barriers and stand up for her beliefs, her relationship with her father seems irreparable. Whether Musk will ever come to terms with his daughter’s activism remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Vivian Jenna Wilson is unapologetically her own person, and she has no intention of backing down, regardless of her father’s views or the controversies that follow.