Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter Reveals Her Iconic Reaction to His ‘Woke Mind Virus’ Claim

Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged transgender daughter of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has once again addressed her father’s repeated claims that she is “dead” because of what he calls the “woke mind virus.”

The 20-year-old made an appearance on drag queen Maddy Morphosis’ YouTube series Give It To Me Straight, where she opened up about how she coped with the day Musk posted the inflammatory tweet in November 2024.

At the time, Musk responded to a New York Post article by writing on his own platform, X (formerly Twitter), that “the woke mind virus killed” his child. The post misgendered Wilson and amplified Musk’s ongoing narrative that he has “lost” his daughter to progressive ideology.

In a separate interview with commentator Jordan Peterson that summer, Musk went further, saying, “They call it deadnaming for a reason. The reason it’s called deadnaming is that the son is dead.”

Wilson’s clapbacks

Wilson has repeatedly rejected her father’s framing. Shortly after Musk’s November tweet, she fired back on Threads, calling his stories about her childhood “completely made up.” She also dismissed his refusal to recognize her gender identity, writing, “As for if I’m not a woman… sure, Jan.

Whatever you say. I’m legally recognized as a woman in the state of California, and I don’t concern myself with the opinions of those who are below me.”

In March 2025, she took to TikTok with a darkly funny response. Lip-syncing to an audio clip that said, “I look pretty good for a dead b****,” Wilson mocked Musk’s insistence that she no longer exists.

Wilson has repeatedly rejected her father’s framing.

Her reaction at the time

But in her new interview, Wilson revealed how she actually processed the moment when she first saw the “woke mind virus” tweet. “I woke up — ‘cause I was in Tokyo — and I looked at my phone, and I’m like, ‘Wow… wow…,’ and then I went to the convenience store and got a gin and tonic,” she recalled.

To distract herself, she said she spent the rest of the day playing Super Smash Bros., Nintendo’s cult-favorite fighting game. “I actually got really good at Smash Brothers that day because, to distract myself, I was very drunk — don’t do that, it’s not a good coping mechanism,” she joked. “It was just like, I woke up one day and it was like, ‘Oh, there it is.’”

Understanding the Impact of Parental Rejection

The impact of parental rejection on children, especially transgender youths, is significant. According to a study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, parental rejection can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In Vivian Jenna Wilson's case, the public nature of this rejection could potentially amplify these harmful effects.

The question of consent

During her appearance, Wilson also mentioned that Musk had been required to sign off on her use of puberty blockers. She did not share details about how that came about, only saying, “That’s one of the greatest mysteries of our time.”

Musk has previously claimed he was “essentially tricked into signing documents” that supported Wilson’s transition. Speaking with Peterson in 2024, he portrayed himself as a victim of manipulation, an assertion critics have called misleading and dismissive of Wilson’s agency.

Musk threatens Apple

A fractured relationship in public view

The public rift between Musk and his daughter has played out across interviews, court filings, and social media posts over the last three years. Wilson legally changed her name in 2022, cutting ties with her father and choosing her mother’s surname instead.

The court documents she filed at the time included a striking statement: “I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form.”

Her appearance on Morphosis’ show marks one of the first times she has spoken at length about how she personally manages her father’s ongoing public comments about her. With humor and candor, she has made clear that while Musk may frame her as “lost,” Wilson is determined to live her life on her own terms.

It's also worth noting the concept of 'minority stress,' which is often faced by individuals from marginalized communities, including the transgender population. Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and author, emphasizes that "the impact of stigma and discrimination on mental health can be profound, leading to increased anxiety and depression." His insights can be found on his professional website, drdansiegel.com. Additionally, Dr. Tara Brach, a well-known meditation teacher and psychologist, states that "experiences of rejection and stigma can lead to significant emotional distress, underscoring the importance of creating supportive environments for marginalized individuals." More about her work can be explored at tarabrach.com.

Role of Social Media in Amplifying Stress

Elon Musk's comments were made publicly on social media, which can exacerbate the stress and psychological impact on Vivian. According to Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, "Negative interactions on social media can significantly affect our mental health, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and depression." For more insights on emotional well-being, visit her professional website at susandavid.com.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, familial rejection, particularly when it's public and involves a marginalized identity, can have severe psychological consequences. It's important to foster environments of acceptance and understanding, as Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, emphasizes, "Social support is one of the most powerful predictors of happiness and mental health." Additionally, Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, notes that "the bonds we create with our families can significantly impact our emotional well-being." Research consistently shows that support can play a pivotal role in promoting positive mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. For more insights, visit Dr. Shawn Achor's website and Dr. Helen Fisher's website.