Vivian Wilson Opens Up About Body-Shaming Struggles from Childhood

The trans model shared how comments on her weight as a kid have impacted her self-image and modeling career.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast silkscreen print of a women's bra repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to capture the empowering spirit of Vivian Wilson's modeling career.Vivian Wilson's journey to overcome body-shaming and embrace her identity as a trans model is reflected in this bold, colorful pop art interpretation of intimate apparel.Los Angeles Today

Vivian Wilson, a 21-year-old trans model whose mother is Justine Wilson and estranged father is Elon Musk, opened up to Cosmopolitan about the body-shaming she experienced as a child. Wilson revealed that comments about her weight growing up "never really leaves you" and affected her confidence, making her uncomfortable showing off her body. However, Wilson overcame her inhibitions to pursue modeling, including campaigns with TomboyX and Rihanna's Savage X Fenty line.

Why it matters

Wilson's story highlights the lasting impact of body-shaming, especially for trans individuals who face heightened scrutiny and criticism about their appearance. Her openness about this struggle aims to raise awareness and empowerment around body positivity in the fashion industry and beyond.

The details

In the Cosmopolitan interview, Wilson shared that she was "made fun of" for her weight as a child, even though "looking back on photos now...I was not even chubby." This commentary "has very much affected me" and made her "a very modest person" who "wouldn't like to show my body off at all." However, Wilson decided to overcome her inhibitions and pursue modeling opportunities, including her first underwear shoot with TomboyX and a campaign with Rihanna's Savage X Fenty line. Wilson acknowledged that "it's the internet's favorite hobby to comment on women's bodies, especially trans women's bodies," but she is determined to use her platform to raise awareness around trans issues.

  • Wilson came out as trans in 2020, according to Teen Vogue.
  • Wilson's debut Savage X Fenty campaign was released in January 2026.
  • Wilson walked in her first New York Fashion Week show last fall.

The players

Vivian Wilson

A 21-year-old trans model whose mother is Justine Wilson and estranged father is Elon Musk.

Justine Wilson

Vivian Wilson's mother.

Elon Musk

Vivian Wilson's estranged father.

Cosmopolitan

The magazine that published the interview with Vivian Wilson.

TomboyX

The company that hired Vivian Wilson for her first underwear modeling campaign.

Rihanna

The founder of the Savage X Fenty lingerie brand, which featured Vivian Wilson in a campaign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It has very much affected me. I was a very modest person. I wouldn't like to show my body off at all and I always got super uncomfortable at the thought.”

— Vivian Wilson, Model

“TomboyX came along and said, 'We're doing an underwear shoot; we will pay you this amount of money,' and I was like, 'I love this company; I want to further my modeling career; this is the step I should take' and I think I kind of ate that up.”

— Vivian Wilson, Model

“It's the internet's favorite hobby to comment on women's bodies. Especially trans women's bodies, depending on how feminine or masculine or AFAB [assigned female at birth] or DFAB [designated female at birth] or whatever the fuck it is you look. Which...I'm over.”

— Vivian Wilson, Model

What’s next

Wilson plans to continue using her platform to raise awareness about trans issues that her community faces, stating "I'm always going to be vocal about [trans issues] because it is who I am. I'm a trans woman. I've got to be a trans woman."

The takeaway

Vivian Wilson's openness about her struggles with body-shaming as a child and how it has impacted her self-image and modeling career underscores the lasting effects of such criticism, especially for trans individuals. Her story aims to inspire body positivity and empower others who have faced similar challenges.