Marlon Wayans has never shied away from speaking his mind, especially when it comes to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including his own transgender child. In a recent appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, hosted by Shannon Sharpe, the comedian and actor opened up about his feelings toward Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul, and his strained relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson.
During the candid conversation, Wayans, who has a transgender son, expressed his dismay over Musk’s public comments about his daughter. Musk’s controversial remarks, in which he criticized his daughter’s transition and referred to her in a derogatory manner, clearly struck a chord with Wayans. He told Sharpe that Musk’s behavior made him feel like driving his Tesla “off a cliff,” a metaphor he used to convey the depth of his frustration and disappointment.
“I don’t like what he’s been saying about his trans child,” Wayans said. “You don’t treat your babies like that. You don’t disown your baby. Love your child!”
Wayans’ statement is particularly poignant given his personal experience as a parent of a transgender child. The comedian has been vocal about the journey he took to accept his son, Kai Zackery Wayans, who transitioned several years ago. In the podcast, Wayans shared how, while it didn’t happen overnight, it only took him about a week to come to terms with his son’s identity—a relatively short time compared to what many other parents go through.
“I’m proud to say it took me a week,” he said, though he acknowledged that it “felt like forever.” Unfortunately, Wayans admitted, many parents and family members may take much longer, or never come to terms with it at all.
“I’m sad to say some parents, and some family members, and some people, it’ll take them a lifetime.”
Since first publicly discussing his son’s transition, Wayans has consistently championed acceptance and love. In an interview on “The Breakfast Club” last November, he opened up about his philosophy as a parent, saying, “I just want my kids to be free. 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.” This message of unconditional love and support has resonated deeply with his audience, particularly those who are navigating their own journeys with gender identity and acceptance.
In a more recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Wayans doubled down on his message of love, emphasizing that his child hasn’t fundamentally changed in his eyes. Wayans quipped that his son is the “same child they was before — they just got a beard now.” The playful comment reflected his easygoing, accepting attitude toward his child’s transition, reinforcing that the essence of who his child is remains the same, regardless of external changes. “Same baby,” he added with a smile.
Wayans’ perspective starkly contrasts Musk’s public stance. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has made a series of controversial comments regarding transgender issues, particularly concerning his own daughter. He has described allowing children to transition as “incredibly evil,” and in an interview with The Daily Wire in July 2024, he claimed that his daughter was “killed by the woke mind virus.” His comments reflect a broader critique of progressive movements, but have been seen by many as a troubling rejection of his daughter’s identity.
Vivian Wilson, formerly known as Xavier Musk, legally changed her name in 2022, distancing herself from her father not only in name but in relationship. Responding to Musk’s inflammatory remarks, Wilson posted a series of messages on Threads, where she sarcastically commented, “I look pretty good for a dead bitch.” She went on to clarify that it was she who disowned Musk, not the other way around, making clear that their estrangement was her decision.
Musk’s handling of his daughter’s transition has sparked widespread criticism, especially given the overwhelming medical consensus on the importance of gender-affirming care for transgender children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other prominent medical organizations, such care is “medically necessary and appropriate” for the well-being of transgender children and adolescents.
Wayans, on the other hand, represents a different kind of parenting—one rooted in acceptance, love, and understanding. He recognizes that the path to accepting a child’s transition may not always be easy, but he insists that the journey is worth it, no matter how long it takes. His public support for his son has not only been a source of comfort for his family but also for countless other families and individuals who face similar struggles.
In a world where figures like Elon Musk wield significant influence, Wayans’ words serve as a counterbalance, reminding everyone that love and acceptance should always take precedence over judgment and rejection. For Wayans, the message is simple:
“You don’t disown your child. Love your child!”
As debates over gender identity and transgender rights continue to polarize public discourse, voices like Marlon Wayans’—grounded in empathy, love, and personal experience—are essential in promoting understanding and respect for individuals navigating these deeply personal experiences. His message offers a powerful reminder that, above all, parents have a responsibility to love and support their children, no matter what.
