Teen Vogue recently featured an interview with Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 20-year-old daughter of Elon and Justine Musk. The interview was conducted by writer and comedian Ella Yurman, who secured a byline for Teen Vogue. In the interview, Ms. Wilson discussed various topics, including her thoughts on fame, social media, family, and politics. She also addressed her relationship with her father, Elon Musk, stating that he was not as supportive as her mother when she transitioned and became financially independent. Despite Elon Musk’s wealth and influence, Ms. Wilson expressed that she is not afraid to speak out against him.
The interview with Ms. Wilson received a significant amount of attention on social media, with many highlighting her candid remarks about her father. While Elon Musk did not publicly address the interview, the editorial team at Teen Vogue anticipated potential backlash for being critical of the world’s richest man. However, the focus of the story was intended to be on Ms. Wilson herself, rather than overshadowing her with her father’s status. The interview was conducted via Zoom, with the Teen Vogue team arranging a photo shoot in Tokyo to capture Ms. Wilson’s personality and environment.
Ms. Wilson’s perspective on her father’s political activity, including his recent attacks on the trans community, was a focal point of the interview. She mentioned that Elon Musk’s politics have shifted rightward, but she emphasized that her being trans was not the cause of that shift. The interview aimed to shed light on trans issues and provide a resource for marginalized youth who may feel targeted. The editorial team at Teen Vogue wanted to showcase Ms. Wilson in a broader light, beyond her famous parents, and highlight her humor and unique voice.
Both Ms. Sharma and Ms. Yurman expressed their hopes that the interview would give readers a deeper understanding of Ms. Wilson as a person, beyond her public persona. Ms. Yurman emphasized the importance of allowing Ms. Wilson to be seen as a human being with depth and complexity, rather than reducing her to a two-dimensional figure focused solely on her trans identity. The team at Teen Vogue aimed to capture the essence of Ms. Wilson, portraying her as an online-savvy 20-year-old with a vibrant personality and individuality.
The interview with Vivian Jenna Wilson in Teen Vogue received widespread attention for her candid remarks about her father, Elon Musk, and her insights into various aspects of her life. Ms. Wilson’s openness and humor shone through in the interview, providing readers with a glimpse into her world beyond her family’s fame. The editorial team at Teen Vogue navigated potential challenges in publishing a critical story about such a prominent figure, but ultimately aimed to center the narrative on Ms. Wilson herself. The interview highlighted her resilience, outspokenness, and unwavering commitment to being true to herself, despite any external pressures or criticisms.
