On May 28, 2025, conservative commentator Candace Owens ignited a firestorm of debate by calling for the immediate expulsion of transgender athlete Lia Thomas from women’s sports during a heated segment on her popular podcast. Owens, known for her outspoken views, declared, “This ends now,” arguing that Thomas’s participation undermines fairness and erodes the integrity of women’s athletics. The statement, amplified across X, reignited a polarizing global conversation about transgender inclusion in sports, drawing both fervent support and sharp criticism.
Owens’s remarks targeted Thomas, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title in 2022. Thomas’s success sparked ongoing debates about competitive advantages, with critics citing her prior participation in men’s sports. Owens argued that biological males, regardless of gender identity, possess physiological advantages—such as muscle mass and testosterone levels—that create an uneven playing field. She urged governing bodies like the NCAA and World Aquatics to ban transgender women from women’s categories, claiming their inclusion disregards the rights of female athletes.
The backlash was swift. Supporters of Thomas, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, condemned Owens’s rhetoric as transphobic, arguing it dehumanizes transgender athletes and ignores their right to compete. On X, users rallied under hashtags like #TransRights and #LetLiaSwim, emphasizing that Thomas adheres to current regulations, including hormone therapy requirements. Critics of Owens pointed to studies, like a 2020 analysis in *Sports Medicine*, showing that testosterone suppression significantly reduces athletic advantages after two years. They accused Owens of fearmongering and oversimplifying a complex issue.
Conversely, Owens’s supporters, including prominent athletes and conservative figures, praised her for addressing what they see as a growing crisis in women’s sports. On X, posts with #FairnessInSports trended alongside her comments, with users sharing stories of female athletes feeling sidelined. A 2024 survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation found 65% of female athletes supported stricter eligibility rules, though only 30% favored outright bans. Owens cited such data, arguing that protecting women’s sports requires decisive action, not compromise.
The controversy comes amid evolving policies. In 2023, World Aquatics barred transgender women from elite women’s events unless they transitioned before age 12, effectively excluding Thomas. The NCAA, however, maintains more inclusive guidelines, allowing participation based on hormone levels. Owens called these rules insufficient, demanding a blanket ban to “preserve the sanctity of women’s sports.” Thomas, who has largely avoided public statements, faces mounting pressure as her eligibility for future competitions remains uncertain.
As the debate rages, both sides dig in. Owens’s call has galvanized efforts to lobby sports organizations, with petitions circulating on X to enforce stricter regulations. Meanwhile, advocates for inclusion warn that exclusionary policies risk broader discrimination. The clash underscores a deeper cultural divide, with no easy resolution in sight. As Thomas’s case remains a lightning rod, the sports world braces for legal and policy battles that could reshape the future of athletic competition.
