In a bold and controversial statement posted on his X platform (formerly Twitter), billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk called for a global boycott of sporting events that allow biologically male athletes to compete in women’s divisions. He also proposed sweeping reforms, including harsh penalties for what he described as “gender-based cheating” in sports.
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“If we allow biological males to dominate women’s competitions, we’re not just erasing the record — we’re erasing women,” Musk wrote in a post that quickly went viral. “This isn’t inclusion. It’s fraud.”
Musk’s comments come amid a growing international debate around gender identity in sports, particularly in track and field, swimming and combat sports. While some organizations have implemented testosterone thresholds or separate categories, Musk argues that these measures are not enough.
In a follow-up post, he proposed “massive disqualifications, lifetime bans and stripped medals” for athletes and coaches who “intentionally violate the integrity of women’s competition categories.”
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Reactions to Musk’s stance have been polarized. Supporters have praised him for “standing up for biological women” and challenging what they see as an unfair advantage. Critics, however, have accused him of spreading transphobia and misunderstanding the complexities of gender identity and sports governance.
Prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned the remarks, with one organization calling Musk’s rhetoric “dangerous and dehumanizing.” On the other hand, some women’s rights advocates applauded the move, saying it would help preserve fairness in women’s sports.
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Sports organizations have yet to officially respond to Musk’s call for a boycott, but experts suggest the issue is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore — especially when one of the world’s most influential voices throws his weight behind it.
As ever, Musk’s blunt and provocative language has sparked a firestorm of debate, and the ripple effects could soon reach the policies of government bodies like the International Olympic Committee and FIFA.
