Marlon Wayans, the well-known comedian and actor, recently criticized billionaire Elon Musk for the way he has treated his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Wayans opened up about his personal experience with his transgender son, while also expressing his disappointment in Musk’s behavior toward his child.
Wayans, best known for his roles in films like White Chicks and Little Man, did not hold back when discussing the importance of supporting one’s children, regardless of their identity, and how parents can navigate the challenges of acceptance.
In his conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Marlon Wayans discussed his relationship with his 24-year-old transgender son, Kai Wayans. Wayans, who shares Kai with his ex-partner Angela Zackery, admitted that he initially struggled with his son’s transition.
“As hard as it was, I think it’s not important. It’s important what you went through—the five steps of grief—but I think it’s important that you get to acceptance,” Wayans shared. The comedian emphasized that although the process was difficult, he was able to reach a place of acceptance within a week, even though it felt like forever.
This perspective allowed Wayans to reflect on the broader struggles that many parents face when a child transitions. “I’m sad to say some parents, some family members, and some people—it’ll take them a lifetime,” he added. For Wayans, the journey to acceptance, although challenging, was ultimately one of love and support.
During the interview, Marlon Wayans turned his attention to Elon Musk and the remarks Musk has made about his own transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. In a highly publicized interview with Jordan Peterson, Musk referred to his daughter as being “killed by the woke mind virus” and described the experience as losing his child. Musk’s comments about “deadnaming” and losing his daughter have sparked widespread criticism.
Wayans responded strongly to Musk’s words, saying it made him angry. He expressed his frustration, stating, “I wanted to drive my Tesla over a cliff because I don’t like what he be saying about his trans child.” His direct response to Musk’s comments illustrated his disapproval of any parent disowning their child for their identity.
“You don’t treat them babies like that, you don’t disown your baby,” Wayans added, sending a clear message that unconditional love and support are essential, even when parents may not fully understand or agree with their child’s identity.
Marlon Wayans’ support for his transgender son goes beyond his personal journey of acceptance. He has consistently used his platform to advocate for the freedom of his children to be themselves. In an earlier interview with The Breakfast Club in November, Wayans first publicly discussed Kai’s transition, making it clear that his priority was his child’s happiness and sense of freedom.
“I just want my kids to be free,” Wayans said. “I want them to be free and spirit-free and free to be themselves. The more you know yourself, the more you can govern yourself, the more you live your truth, the happier your existence.”
As a father of three children, including his son Shawn, 22, and daughter Axl, 21 months, Wayans shared that his love for his kids remains unwavering. He stressed that navigating the five stages of grief allowed him to reach the “beautiful, magical place called acceptance.”
Marlon Wayans’ supportive and compassionate approach to his son’s transition starkly contrasts with Elon Musk’s relationship with his daughter, Vivian. Unlike Wayans, Musk has struggled to come to terms with his daughter’s identity. Vivian, who changed her name to reflect her mother’s maiden name, has made it clear that she wants no connection to her biological father.
@clubshayshaypod “I have a #Tesla that I’m about to drive over a cliff. I don’t like what #elonmusk be saying about his trans child. It makes me mad. You don’t treat those babies like that. You don’t disown your baby. Love your child! … I’m sad to say some parents, some family members, and some people it’ll take them a lifetime. They’ll never get to that magical place that I’m at which is just acceptance. Still my child. That’s my baby.” – #marlonwayans #trans ♬ original sound – Club Shay Shay
In a petition filed in 2022, Vivian declared that she did not wish to be related to Musk “in any way, shape, or form.” Since then, Vivian has spoken out against Musk on several occasions, including calling him a “heinous incel” after Musk made comments about wanting to have a child with Taylor Swift.
These public clashes between Musk and his daughter stand in stark contrast to Wayans’ journey of acceptance and love for his child. While Musk continues to make controversial remarks about his daughter, Wayans has repeatedly emphasized that his only desire is for his children to live authentically and freely.
Wayans’ openness about his journey has provided an important lesson for parents navigating their children’s transitions. His candid reflections reveal that acceptance doesn’t come easily for everyone, but it is crucial for building a strong, supportive relationship.
“I learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was,” Wayans said, reflecting on his personal growth. “I learned that my family—my brothers, my sisters—have prepared me to be a rock in our family.”
His message to other parents is clear: it’s okay to struggle, but the priority should always be reaching a place of acceptance and love. For Wayans, this has meant putting aside any personal discomfort to embrace his child’s identity fully and offer unwavering support.
Marlon Wayans’ criticism of Elon Musk isn’t just about parenting styles—it’s a broader call for compassion and understanding. His journey serves as a reminder that accepting a child’s identity is about more than personal feelings or beliefs. It’s about supporting them through their struggles and standing by their side no matter what.
As Wayans continues to speak out, he hopes his message of love and acceptance reaches not only parents of transgender children but also the wider world. His advocacy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity of every individual, regardless of their gender identity.
Marlon Wayans’ strong stance on supporting his transgender son and his outspoken criticism of Elon Musk’s treatment of his daughter reflects his deep belief in unconditional love. His personal journey serves as an inspiring example of how parents can evolve and grow alongside their children, embracing them for who they truly are.
Wayans’ story is a powerful reminder that, while the road to acceptance may be difficult, it’s worth taking for the sake of those we love.
