Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Vivian Musk Struts Her Stuff at NYFW Amid Feud with Billionaire Dad

Elon Musk's transgender daughter Vivian Wilson (pictured) made her debut on the runway at New York Fashion Week as she remains estranged from her father

The Bitter Reality of Billionaire Elon Musk's Estranged Relationship with His Trans Daughter Vivian Wilson

In a shocking turn of events, 21-year-old Vivian Wilson, the eldest child of billionaire Elon Musk, made her debut on the runway at New York Fashion Week as a model for designer Alexis Bittar. This bold move comes after she was estranged from her father, who is currently the richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of $413 billion.

The drama between Musk and his daughter began when Vivian came out as transgender in 2022, prompting her father to make some jaw-dropping comments that have left many speechless. In a bizarre rant, Musk claimed that he had been "tricked" into signing documents for one of his older children, implying that Vivian's decision to transition was somehow manipulated.

Wilson wore a bright red dress with a purple sash reading 'Miss South Carolina' at the Alexis Bittar showcase at the Abrons Theater on the Lower East Side of Manhattan

The situation took an even more dramatic turn when Musk said what happened to his family was "evil." This insensitive comment sparked outrage among many, and it's clear that the two have a long way to go before they can patch things up. In fact, Vivian has been quite vocal about her disdain for her father's behavior on social media.

During an interview with The Cut earlier this month, Vivian opened up about her life in Los Angeles without her father's financial support. "People assume I have a lot of money," she said candidly. "But the truth is, I don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars at my disposal." This revelation has left many wondering how someone from such an affluent background could be struggling financially.

Vivian's life may seem like a fairy tale to some, but it's far from it. She lives with three roommates in Los Angeles because it's "cheaper," and she's even considering attending community college instead of a traditional university. Why? Because, as she pointed out, "college is expensive" – something that not everyone can afford.

Earlier this month, Musk's daughter has revealed she doesn't 'have a lot of money' and lives with roommates after she cut ties with her father , who is the richest man in the world

When asked about her father's wealth, Vivian matter-of-factly stated, "My mom is rich, right? But obviously the other one [Musk]... is unimaginable degrees of wealthy." This tongue-in-cheek comment has left many fans wondering if she's implying that Musk's fortune comes at a cost.

Vivian also spoke about her ADHD diagnosis and revealed that she struggled to make friends in high school due to the "nepo babies" – children of celebrities who often attend private schools. Her alma mater was no exception, with notable classmates including Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple.

It's clear that Vivian has had a difficult time navigating her relationship with her father, especially after he made some hurtful comments about her decision to transition. In 2022, she even referred to him as a "pathetic man-child" in a scathing post on social media.

Wilson spoke briefly about the experience for Bittar's Instagram account, as the designer explained the concept behind the show

The situation between Musk and his daughter is far from over, but one thing's for sure – Vivian is determined to forge her own path and live life on her own terms. As she celebrated the end of New York Fashion Week with an Instagram post saying "First fw show done, very slay," it's clear that this young woman is unapologetically herself.

More About Vivian Wilson

Vivian was born in 2004 as a twin to Elon Musk and his first wife Justine, whose maiden name Wilson she has now adopted. She came out as transgender at the age of 16 via text message to her aunt, warning her not to tell their father.

Wilson posted an Instagram snap celebrating the show's end afterward: 'First fw show done, very slay.'

As for what sparked the estrangement between Musk and Vivian, it's clear that their relationship has been strained since her transition. Despite his attempts to "win her over," Vivian has made it clear that she doesn't want to spend time with him.

In a bizarre twist, Elon Musk's net worth is estimated to be about $413 billion – making him the richest man in the world. Yet despite this staggering wealth, Vivian finds herself struggling financially and living with roommates in Los Angeles.

The drama between Musk and his daughter has left many fans wondering what the future holds for these two. Will they ever patch things up, or will Vivian continue to forge her own path without her father's financial support? Only time will tell.

While campaigning on behalf of Trump and other MAGA Republicans, Musk said Wilson was 'killed by the woke mind virus', prompting his eldest child to blast him on social media and remind him she wasn't dead

Sources:

Wilson said she does not have any desire to be 'superrich' by her father's standards, but appreciates that she has enough money to keep a roof over her head, afford food and still have 'some expendable income' left over, 'which is much more fortunate than most people my age in Los Angeles,' she added