Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been in the spotlight not only for his groundbreaking achievements but also for his personal life. Recently, there has been much discussion about his relationship with his eldest daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who made the decision to legally change her name and distance herself from her father. This move has reportedly caused significant distress for Musk, as highlighted in the upcoming biography by Walter Isaacson. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding this rift and explore the possible reasons behind it.
The Name Change and Rift
In June 2020, Vivian Jenna Wilson, then 18 years old, successfully petitioned the court to change her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson, adopting her mother’s maiden name. The court also recognized her gender as female, further solidifying her desire to distance herself from her biological father. According to court documents, Wilson cited “Gender Identity and the fact that I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form” as the reasons for the name change.
The ‘Woke Mind Virus’
According to Isaacson’s biography, Elon Musk believes that his daughter’s decision to cut ties with him is influenced by what he calls the ‘woke mind virus’. Musk allegedly sees this ideology as pervasive in America and believes that unless it is stopped, civilization will never become multiplanetary. The excerpt from the biography suggests that Musk’s daughter’s political views have played a significant role in their strained relationship.
Musk’s Devastation and Efforts to Reconnect
The rift between Musk and his daughter has reportedly devastated him. According to Isaacson, the pain of this estrangement is comparable only to the loss of his firstborn child, Nevada, who tragically passed away as an infant. Musk has made numerous attempts to reconnect with his daughter, but she has consistently expressed her unwillingness to spend time with him. Despite his strained relationship with Vivian Jenna Wilson, Musk maintains good relationships with his other children.
Possible Influences and Political Views
Isaacson’s biography suggests that Vivian Jenna Wilson’s political views, which Musk characterizes as going beyond socialism to full communism, have contributed to their fractured relationship. Musk believes that his daughter’s time at a progressive school in Los Angeles shaped her political ideologies. These comments echo his previous statements in an interview with the Financial Times, where he expressed similar sentiments about her political leanings.
Musk’s Support for Transgender Rights
It is worth noting that Elon Musk has voiced his support for transgender rights on social media. However, he has also expressed his reservations about the use of preferred pronouns, describing them as an “esthetic nightmare.” In December 2020, Musk faced criticism for a tweet that appeared to mock the use of preferred pronouns, prompting him to clarify his stance on transgender rights.
Conclusion
The strained relationship between Elon Musk and his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson has been a source of pain for both parties. The decision to legally change her name and distance herself from her father has caused significant distress for Musk, who has made efforts to reconnect with her. While their political differences and divergent ideologies have played a role in the rift, Musk remains committed to maintaining positive relationships with his other children. As the upcoming biography by Walter Isaacson sheds light on this personal struggle, it reminds us that even the most successful individuals face challenges in their personal lives.
