Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 21-year-old transgender model and daughter of tech mogul Elon Musk, has once again made headlines—not for what she said about her famous father, but for what she chose not to say. In a recent candid interview, Vivian revealed a complex and unyielding stance towards Elon Musk, opting to keep the focus firmly on her own life and burgeoning career rather than the highly publicized and often controversial narrative surrounding her estranged father.
Despite persistent questions about Elon Musk’s recent attempts to shift his public image and step back from politics, Vivian maintained a cool distance, refusing to engage in any discussion about him or their fractured relationship.
The interview, which touched on various aspects of Vivian’s personal journey—including her recent collaboration with the underwear brand Tomboyx—provided a glimpse into her world. Yet, when asked directly about Elon Musk’s so-called "public-image makeover," Vivian’s reaction was telling. After a long, contemplative pause, she simply responded, "Girl…I don’t…" before quickly moving on with a sharp "Mmm… next question."
This brief dismissal underscored the emotional and personal gulf that still separates the two.
Vivian’s refusal to discuss Elon Musk is not surprising given the long-standing estrangement between them. Musk, known worldwide for his ventures such as Tesla and SpaceX, also carries the weight of complex family dynamics. With 14 children in total, Vivian is just one part of a sprawling and often scrutinized family saga. She admitted in the interview that she "sometimes" reads articles about herself or one of her many half-siblings, acknowledging the public’s fascination with their family.
But Vivian also made it clear that she has little patience for the media’s attempts to sensationalize or distort her story. "I live the articles, so yeah, I’m good," she said, dismissing the typical headlines unless they cross into the absurd, such as being called a "secret sadist" or accused of something as extreme as murder.
Despite the tension that clearly exists with her father, Vivian did share a moment of personal pride when she recounted being called a "trans icon" by the pop star Pink. "That was cool. I liked that one," she admitted with a smile, showing that while she shies away from family drama, she embraces her role and identity as a prominent transgender figure in popular culture.
Beyond family and media, the interview revealed a different kind of personal breakthrough for Vivian. She opened up about her recent photo campaign with Tomboyx, which marked a significant milestone in her confidence and self-acceptance. Known for being private and modest, Vivian confessed she had always avoided showing skin, even in casual settings like the beach with friends.
The idea of a photoshoot that involved revealing clothing was "very, very nerve-racking" for her. But she took the leap because she wanted to "have more confidence in my own body" and to "prove that confidence" to herself.
Vivian’s vulnerability was clear as she described the anxiety she felt before the shoot. What helped her push through was the supportive environment created by a hairstylist and makeup artist who are both talented transgender women.
"We were just joking around and cutting it up before the [shoot] thing," she said, recalling how their camaraderie helped ease her nerves. The resulting photoshoot turned out to be a rewarding and positive experience, one that Vivian said was "really, really fun" and filled with great energy. Praising the photographer, stylist, and everyone involved, she expressed her happiness with how everything came together.
While Vivian moves forward with her life and career, the shadow of Elon Musk’s controversial comments continues to loom large. Musk, 53, has publicly stated that he was "tricked" into signing paperwork that allowed Vivian—then known as Xavier—to undergo gender transition surgery. He described the period as one marked by confusion amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his own words, Musk was warned that without the surgery, Vivian might have committed suicide. This admission paints a picture of a father who felt overwhelmed and caught off guard by the situation.
Musk’s comments did not stop there. In a strongly worded statement, he referred to the concept of "deadnaming," explaining it as the act of calling a transgender person by their former name. He said, "They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead."
Elon Musk went further, declaring, "My son Xavier is dead — killed by the woke-mind virus," a phrase that sparked controversy and debate. The billionaire also vowed to "destroy the woke-mind virus," adding that his efforts were making some progress.
Vivian’s response to these incendiary remarks was sharp and unapologetic. She posted a selfie with the caption, "I look pretty good for a dead b----," a bold and defiant comeback that resonated strongly with many in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. This exchange highlights the deep and painful divide between Vivian and Elon Musk, a rift that seems unlikely to close anytime soon.
The story of Vivian Jenna Wilson is about much more than just her relationship with her father. It is a story of personal transformation, resilience, and self-empowerment.
From avoiding the spotlight on her family drama to stepping into the limelight as a transgender icon and confident model, Vivian represents a new generation of young people unafraid to embrace their identities and challenge societal norms.
Her work with Tomboyx, which celebrates inclusivity and body positivity, marks an important chapter in her life. The fact that she faced her fears about revealing her body publicly speaks volumes about her journey toward self-love and acceptance.
Vivian’s story is a testament to the power of community support, particularly from other transgender individuals who helped her through the anxieties of the photoshoot.
At the same time, the lingering public conflict with her father serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles many transgender individuals face within their own families. Despite Elon Musk’s global fame and fortune, his personal relationship with Vivian reveals a side of family dynamics that many can relate to—fraught with misunderstanding, pain, and unspoken grievances.
Elon Musk’s attempt at a public pivot away from politics and towards a more favorable image has not gone unnoticed by the media or the public. Yet, for Vivian, these shifts mean little. Her succinct dismissal of questions about her father’s changes suggests that whatever improvements Elon Musk hopes to project to the world, they have little bearing on her personal feelings or her willingness to reconcile.
Vivian’s story continues to unfold in the public eye, a blend of courage and defiance, vulnerability and strength. As she builds her career and identity far from the shadow of her father, she remains a symbol of authenticity and the complex realities behind headlines and social media narratives.
For Elon Musk, the path to repairing the relationship with Vivian may be long and uncertain. Meanwhile, Vivian is focused on carving out her own space in the world, defined not by her father’s legacy but by her own voice, her own choices, and her own remarkable journey.