Marlon Wayans has publicly called out Elon Musk for his apparent rejection of his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. The Tesla CEO’s behavior and statements regarding his daughter have sparked significant controversy, with Musk openly making divisive comments about both her identity and the transgender community as a whole. Now, Wayans, a prominent Hollywood actor and advocate, has taken a stand, sharing his perspective as a parent of a transgender child.
Vivian Jenna Wilson, formerly known as Xavier Musk, came out as transgender in 2022 at the age of 18. Following her decision to affirm her gender identity, she legally changed her name and severed ties with her billionaire father. Wilson’s bold move not only highlighted her personal journey but also underscored the strained relationship between her and Musk.
A Relationship Torn Apart by Transphobia
Elon Musk has drawn considerable backlash for his controversial remarks regarding his daughter and the transgender community. In a live-streamed interview on X, the platform he owns and formerly known as Twitter, Musk discussed his strained relationship with Vivian with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. During the conversation, Musk claimed he had been “tricked” into approving gender-affirming medical treatment for Vivian when she was just 16 years old.
Musk repeatedly misgendered Vivian during the interview, referring to her with male pronouns and even stating, “I lost my son.” He added, “They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason it’s called ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead. So my son is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.” These statements shocked many, including Vivian herself.
In response, Vivian wrote on Threads, highlighting the lack of a meaningful father-daughter relationship. “He doesn’t know what I was like as a child because he quite simply wasn’t there, and in the little time that he was, I was relentlessly harassed for my femininity and queerness.” Her words paint a picture of deep hurt and alienation, further emphasizing why she chose to distance herself from Musk. At 20 years old, she has completely cut ties with her father.
Marlon Wayans Speaks Out
Marlon Wayans, best known for his roles in comedic films like White Chicks and Scary Movie, has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. As a father to a transgender child, Wayans felt personally compelled to address Musk’s comments. Appearing on the popular podcast Club Shay Shay, hosted by Shannon Sharpe, Wayans opened up about his own journey of accepting his child, Kai, who uses he/they pronouns.
“For one week, I was resistant,” Wayans admitted. “I’m not proud of the things that I went through, but I’m proud that I got there in a week.” He continued by expressing sadness that some parents may never reach the level of understanding and acceptance he has achieved. “It’ll take them a lifetime, and they’ll never get to that magical place that I’m at.”
Wayans described how Kai’s journey challenged his preconceived beliefs about gender roles and stereotypes. For him, being a parent means providing unconditional love and support, even when personal beliefs or societal norms are questioned.
A Parent’s Call for Love and Understanding
During the podcast, Wayans humorously referenced his disapproval of Musk’s transphobic remarks, saying, “I have a Tesla that I’m about to drive off a cliff.” But his humor didn’t diminish the seriousness of his message. “I don’t like what he be saying about his trans child, that made me mad. You don’t treat them babies like that. You don’t disown your baby.”
He added a simple but profound plea: “Love your child.”
Wayans’ comments not only highlight his personal growth as a parent but also serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility all parents have to accept and love their children for who they truly are.
A Broader Discussion on Parenting and Acceptance
The ongoing controversy between Elon Musk and his daughter sheds light on a larger societal issue: the challenges faced by transgender individuals and their families. Vivian’s story resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community, where acceptance can often be a difficult and painful journey.
Wayans’ words offer a counter-narrative to Musk’s actions, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and unconditional love. By sharing his own experiences, Wayans not only criticizes Musk but also inspires other parents to reflect on their roles in supporting their children’s identities.