Vivian Wilson’s relationship with Elon Musk broke down after she transitioned, and the divide between them has only grown deeper over time. Her story reveals not just a rift in a family, but also the choices of a young woman determined to live her life independently.
Before things fell apart, Vivian studied at a private school in Bel Air. Her father later transferred her to Ad Astra, the alternative school he created for the children of SpaceX employees. Musk had disagreed with the teaching style at her previous school and wanted something different for her.
At Ad Astra, the focus was not on traditional grades but on science, technology, engineering, and math. The students were encouraged to explore and learn in ways that differed from the usual system. After her time there, Vivian transferred again, this time to Crossroads in Santa Monica. She eventually graduated alongside peers who were known as so-called nepo babies because of their famous families.
In her conversation with The Cut, Vivian Wilson admitted that her school years were not easy. “I was not popular, I didn’t talk to anyone,” she recalled. This sense of isolation shaped her teenage years and persisted as she grew older.
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Vivian Wilson came out as transgender when she was 16.
By the time she turned 18 in 2022, her bond with Musk had fallen apart completely. It was a turning point that marked the end of their relationship.
After reaching adulthood, Vivian made a legal move that showed her position clearly. She filed a petition to change both her name and her gender. She wanted the court to recognize not just her identity but also her decision to cut ties with her father.
Her petition to the judge included words that left no doubt. “I no longer live or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form,” she wrote. With that, she closed the chapter on her relationship with Elon Musk.
At the same time, Musk was aligning himself with Donald Trump and MAGA politics. He also made public comments about his daughter that drew criticism. He claimed she had been “killed by the woke mind virus,” framing her decision to transition in a cruel and dismissive way.
Vivian Wilson did not stay silent. She responded on social media, reminding the world that she was alive and well. Her message was blunt, but it was also proof of her strength and refusal to let her father’s words define her.
Today, Vivian lives in Los Angeles without help from Musk, despite his vast fortune. She has chosen independence, even though the financial reality of her life is far removed from her father’s wealth.
Speaking openly, she explained what this means for her daily life. “College is expensive, I don’t have that inheritance. People assume I have a lot of money. I don’t have hundreds and thousands of dollars at my disposal.” Her words show the challenges she faces, even with her family background.
Vivian Wilson is Musk’s eldest child out of 14. Unlike him, she has no desire to become super-rich or to chase extreme wealth. Instead, she lives in a modest apartment with three roommates, finding it far more affordable and practical.
She also admits that, even with her struggles, she is more fortunate than many others in her city. She recognizes the privilege she has compared to many young people in Los Angeles.
“I don’t have any desire to be super rich,” she said in her interview. “I can afford food. I have friends, a shelter and expandable income, which is nice and much more fortunate than most people my age in Los Angeles.”
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Her honesty shows a grounded perspective. While she is aware of her advantages, she also knows the reality of trying to manage money in one of the most expensive cities in the United States.
Even so, Vivian Wilson acknowledges that money is still a concern. She budgets and saves whenever she can, making careful choices about how she lives and what she spends. For Vivian, financial independence comes with responsibility.
Talking about her family background, she reflected on the contrast between her parents. “My mom is rich right? But obviously the other one is unimaginable degrees of wealthy.” The difference between her modest life and her father’s billions highlights the scale of her decision to go her own way.
Elon Musk’s net worth is currently estimated at around 413 billion dollars. Against that backdrop, Vivian’s choice to live modestly becomes even more striking. It shows her clear desire to define her own life outside the shadow of her father’s fortune.
Looking forward, Vivian Wilson plans to continue her education. She hopes to enroll at a community college in the coming months to restart her studies. She previously left a Japanese language program unfinished in Japan, and she wants to return to that path.
Her plans show that she is focused on building her own future, separate from her father’s wealth or influence. For her, success does not mean money or power. It means independence, education, and the chance to live authentically.
Vivian’s story is one of separation but also resilience. She has been clear about who she is and what she wants. Her life today may not include the luxuries of her father’s billions, but it reflects a different kind of wealth, built on freedom and self-respect.
