Elon Musk’s Daughter Explains How She Avoids “Creepy” Public Encounters

Life in the public eye comes with a unique set of challenges—especially when your family name is one of the most recognizable in the world.

Elon Musk’s estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has shared how she copes with the scrutiny, revealing that she sometimes resorts to disguises just to enjoy a night out without being targeted by unwanted attention.

The 21-year-old, who recently appeared on the cover of The Cut, spoke candidly about the unsettling experiences she has faced since stepping into the public sphere. She admitted that the visibility has made her feel constantly watched, misrepresented, and objectified.

“A lot of people have tried to spin things I say into things I don’t mean,” she explained, recalling how what should have been an ordinary evening ended up in tabloids: “a casual night out with friends ended with me on TMZ the next day.”

To protect herself, Wilson has come up with creative ways to slip under the radar. She revealed that when visiting gay bars, she sometimes arrives in full disguise.

“You don’t need to know my ways!” she joked, though her words underscored a serious reality: the need to shield herself from “creepy” interactions.

Her concerns aren’t limited to in-person encounters. Online, Wilson has been subjected to disturbing and explicit messages that leave her feeling violated. “People send me the most disgusting, unhinged things they would do to me,” she revealed, adding bluntly, “Don’t text people on the internet all the ways you’d f**k them.”* These experiences, she said, understandably make her “feel gross.”

Vivian Jenna Wilson’s Drag Debut for Immigrant Defense

The constant attention has forced Wilson to become more guarded, a shift she admits she struggles with. “Last year, I was mega-unhinged,” she said.

“I didn’t know what the f**k I was doing, and I didn’t give a f***. I kind of hate the fact that I care now.”* Her words reflect the difficulty of navigating personal growth under public scrutiny—learning to set boundaries while still holding onto a sense of freedom.

Now, when she goes to bars, she says she often shows up in disguise, joking: "You don’t need to know my ways!"

Despite the challenges, Wilson has also embraced the spotlight on her own terms. After her Cut cover debut, she shared the images with her 770,000 Instagram followers, where she received an outpouring of love and admiration. Fellow artist Chrissy Chlapecka praised her as “Icooooonic,” while another fan playfully commented, “Body so tea that the British are coming.”

Some experiences have left her more guarded – a shift she’s still adjusting to.

Vanity Fair

For Wilson, balancing identity, safety, and visibility remains an ongoing journey. Her openness about disguises, online harassment, and the complexities of caring what others think sheds light on the unique pressures faced by public figures—and the resilience required to navigate them.

The Impact of Fame on Personal Boundaries

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a psychologist at UCLA, explains that public figures often develop heightened sensitivity to their personal boundaries.

This can be a response to the invasive nature of fame, which frequently leads to feelings of vulnerability.

Research indicates that individuals in the public eye may experience anxiety when faced with unexpected social encounters.

Such experiences can reinforce guardedness, as their past interactions can shape their expectations of future ones.

Coping Strategies for Public Figures

Experts recommend that individuals in the spotlight develop clear personal boundaries to protect their mental health.

Practical strategies include establishing safe spaces and rehearsing responses to potential intrusions, which can empower them in public situations.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, navigating the complexities of public life requires a balance between openness and protection.

As research suggests, understanding and establishing personal boundaries can help maintain mental well-being amidst external pressures.