Elon Musk sparked renewed controversy this week after posting on X that the film The Silence of the Lambs was “literally about a trans serial killer who wanted to become a woman by wearing their skin.” The claim quickly drew backlash from film scholars, LGBTQ+ advocates, and media critics who noted that the statement misrepresents both the film and its source material.
The character Musk referenced, Buffalo Bill, is portrayed as a disturbed individual driven by trauma and self-loathing, not as a transgender person. In both Thomas Harris’ novel and the 1991 film adaptation, the character explicitly states that he is not transgender and is denied gender-affirming care by medical professionals. Film historians and critics have long acknowledged that while the character reflects harmful tropes, he was never intended to represent transgender people.
Following Musk’s tweet, social media users and advocacy groups responded with fact-based corrections, warning that his framing reinforces dangerous stereotypes linking transgender people to violence. Critics emphasized that such narratives have historically contributed to stigma, discrimination, and moral panic surrounding the transgender community.
The controversy also renewed scrutiny of Musk’s broader history of rhetoric toward transgender people. Over several years, the billionaire has publicly mocked gender pronouns and repeatedly used the phrase “woke mind virus” to criticize transgender acceptance and LGBTQ+ advocacy. These comments, often shared with Musk’s massive online following, have drawn concern from civil rights organizations who argue they normalize hostility toward trans individuals.
Since Musk acquired Twitter, watchdog groups have reported a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ content on the platform. Policy changes under Musk’s leadership rolled back certain moderation safeguards, prompting critics to argue that the platform has become increasingly unsafe for transgender users and other marginalized groups.
Musk’s public statements have also drawn attention because of his relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. Vivian came out as transgender in 2020 and later legally changed her name and gender marker in 2022. She has since become estranged from her father.
Musk has publicly claimed that his daughter was influenced by what he describes as ideological pressures, referring to her transition as a result of the “woke mind virus.” He has also stated that he was misled into consenting to medical care when she was a minor, a claim that has been disputed by advocates familiar with established medical consent standards.
Vivian has spoken publicly about her estrangement from Musk and has criticized his statements about transgender people. She has used her platform to advocate for trans youth and has rejected her father’s portrayal of her identity.
Advocacy groups say Musk’s latest remarks about The Silence of the Lambs highlight a recurring issue when influential public figures spread misinformation about transgender people. They warn that conflating fictional villains with real communities contributes to harmful narratives that have real-world consequences.
As debate continues, critics argue that Musk’s comments underscore the responsibility carried by high-profile individuals when discussing gender identity, representation in media, and the lives of transgender people who already face heightened levels of discrimination and violence.
