Introduction

In a captivating interview with Teen Vogue, Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 20-year-old daughter of Elon Musk and Justine Wilson, emerges as a compelling figure in her own right. Versha Sharma, Teen Vogue's editor-in-chief, noted that interest in Wilson grew significantly during the last presidential election, as her refreshing and humorous perspective shone through her social media content.

The Interview

Writer and comedian Ella Yurman facilitated the interview, which marked Wilson's first byline in Teen Vogue, landing on the cover of a special edition that quickly gained traction across social media platforms.

During the conversation, Wilson, who identifies as a trans woman, tackled a range of subjects, from her relationship with fame ("I don’t like saying that I’m famous because I want to do something more to deserve that fame") to her dynamic presence on social media ("I am the Queen of Threads"). Her candid reflections offer a glimpse into her experiences and aspirations, including her complex family relationships and evolving political viewpoints.

On Elon Musk

However, it was her candid discourse regarding her father, Elon Musk, that ignited a firestorm of online discussion. Addressing a controversial incident involving Musk’s gestures during a Trump inauguration event, Wilson stated unequivocally, "Honey, we’re going to call a fig a fig, and we’re going to call a Nazi salute what it was." She revealed her financial independence and disclosed that she has not had a meaningful relationship with her father since 2020, characterizing him as "not as supportive as my mom" during her transition.

"I'm not giving anyone that space in my mind," she asserted, emphasizing a resolve to speak her truth despite her father's prominent status in the tech industry and media.

Editorial Perspective

Elon Musk has yet to respond publicly to Wilson's comments, but Sharma acknowledged the editorial team's awareness of the challenges in publishing a story that critiques one of the world's wealthiest individuals. "We wanted this story to be guided by Vivian, focusing on who she is, beyond just being his daughter," she explained.

Interview Insights

Conducted via Zoom from Japan, the interview spanned several months, enriched by a Tokyo photo shoot inspired by themes from films like "Lost in Translation." Wilson’s ability to blend humor with seriousness creates a multifaceted portrait of a young woman coming into her own.

Adding to the narrative are insights from other family members. Grimes, the pop star and mother of three of Musk's children, has frequently taken to social media to address issues concerning their children, suggesting a complex family dynamic. Even Elon’s own father, Errol Musk, has publicly critiqued his son’s parenting in interviews, adding further drama to the Musk family saga.

Political Views

In her remarks, Wilson also discussed the shifting political landscape shaped by her father’s stance and how it affects her as a member of the trans community. Despite recent rightward shifts in Musk’s views, she maintains that her identity as a trans woman is not responsible for his political evolution, stating emphatically, "That’s insane."

Representation and Advocacy

Sharma and Yurman aim to use this interview to provide representation and voice to marginalized groups, especially trans youth facing societal challenges. "We’re seeing escalating attacks on their access to healthcare, other basic rights — just their basic identities," Sharma remarked.

Conclusion

Both Sharma and Yurman hope the interview encapsulates Wilson's true essence, showcasing her humanity beyond her lineage. "I wanted this piece to give Vivian a chance to be herself in front of the world," Yurman concluded.

As this conversation continues to unravel online, one thing is clear: Vivian Wilson is stepping out from the shadows of her father’s legacy, establishing her vibrant identity and voice while initiating a broader dialogue on family, fame, and the challenges of being a young trans woman in today’s world.