Elon Musk has done it again. The billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) has sparked a new wave of controversy on social media after making a forceful statement that divided opinions around the world: “Biological males are not allowed in women’s sports.”
The phrase was posted on his official X account, the social network he bought in 2022, and quickly went viral. While some applaud him for standing up for what they consider “common sense,” others accuse him of transphobia and fueling hate speech against the transgender community. The post that sparked the debate In his post, Musk wrote: “No biological males allowed in women’s sports. This isn’t hate, it’s simply justice for female athletes.”
He accompanied the message with an image of a female athlete in a competition, along with a graph showing the average physiological differences between men and women. The content was quickly shared, generating millions of interactions and thousands of comments both in favor and against. Divided Reactions: Support and Rejection The message sparked a strong reaction on social media. Conservative figures and some athletes supported Musk’s position. Former Olympic swimmer Riley Gaines, for example, responded to the tweet saying: “Thank you, Elon, for standing up for women’s sports. Many don’t have the courage to say it.”
On the other hand, LGBT+ rights organizations condemned the statements, calling them exclusionary and dangerous. GLAAD, one of the most influential organizations on LGBTQ+ representation, issued a statement stating: “These types of messages reinforce stigmas and put the integrity and safety of trans people at risk. Elon Musk should use his platform to promote inclusion, not discrimination.” What does the science say? The debate about the inclusion of trans people in sports is not new. Some scientific studies have indicated that, even after hormone treatments, trans women may retain certain physiological advantages that affect performance in specific disciplines.
However, other researchers argue that generalizing is a mistake and that each case should be evaluated individually. They also emphasize that trans participation in sports represents a very low percentage and that the focus should be on equity, not exclusion. Musk and His History of Controversial Comments This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has spoken out controversially on social issues. In the past, he has questioned the use of pronouns, mocked certain progressive positions, and supported initiatives that have been labeled “anti-woke.”
In 2023, she restored multiple accounts suspended for discriminatory comments, defending “absolute freedom of expression” on her platform. Many believe her opinions are deliberately intended to provoke certain groups, while others claim she simply says “what everyone thinks but no one dares to say.” Media and Political Impact The phrase “No biological males allowed” has transcended the digital environment and has already been cited in political debates in the United States and Europe. Some conservative lawmakers have used the tweet to support laws limiting the participation of transgender people in women’s sports competitions.
Viral tweet or dangerous message? For many, the key question isn’t whether Musk is right or wrong, but rather what real impact his words have on society. With more than 180 million followers, each of his posts becomes a global phenomenon. The reach of his messages can influence perceptions, public policies, and the daily lives of millions. Conclusion: hero or villain? The truth is that Elon Musk has once again divided public opinion. While some see him as a defender of justice and women’s sports, others point to him as an agent of exclusion. In an increasingly polarized world, his words have the power to ignite debates, move masses, and change narratives. The question is: does he do it out of conviction, strategy, or simply to keep the spotlight on himself? One thing is certain: Elon Musk knows how to set the internet alight… and he doesn’t seem to intend to stop.
