Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has once again been in the center of the controversy after a statement that has generated an intense global debate: “Men do not take place in women’s sports.”His statement has caused a wave of reactions in social networks, media and in political circles, reviving a sensitive discussion about sport, equity and gender identity.
A statement that shakes the networks
The controversy arose after a message posted by Musk in his social network X, where he criticized the participation of transgender people in female competitions. “It’s not about hate. This is justice for women who train their entire life to compete on equal terms,” he wrote. He then added: “Biological men should not compete in women’s sports. It is common sense.”
The publication quickly exceeded the million interactions, dividing users between those who applaud it for “saying what many think” and those who accuse him of transphobia.
Support and condemnation: the world responds
Various public personalities reacted to the magnate’s words. Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender Olympic medalist, backed Musk stating that “protecting female sport is not discrimination, it is respect.” On the other hand, LGBTQ+ rights organizations as Glaad condemned their message, qualifying it as “harmful and dangerous for the trans community.”
Several elite athletes were also spoken. Former Riley Gaines, habitual criticism of the inclusion of trans women in female competitions, thanked Musk’s support: “Thank you, Elon, for having the courage to say what many athletes cannot say for fear of being canceled.”
However, Megan Rapinoe, star football star and inclusion activist, responded with irony: “Perhaps Elon should concentrate on the rockets and leave the sport to those who live it.”
A debate that keeps burning
High performance sport has been dealing with this controversy for years. The inclusion of trans women in female competences has led to changes in organizations such as fine (swimming) or World Athletics, which have recently restricted their participation in certain tests. The issue revolves around the balance between inclusion and competitive equity.
For Musk, the line is clear: allowing biologically -born athletes to compete in women’s sports represents an injustice for women. “This is not ideology, it is biology,” he said in another publication.
Opportunism or conviction?
Some critics suggest that Elon Musk is using this type of messages to reinforce his image as a defender of “freedom of expression” and attract conservative sectors, especially in a political context in which his social network X has lost great advertisers and seeks to consolidate a faithful basis of users.
Others, however, believe that their opinions reflect a real concern for the basic principles of sport. “Not everything is strategy. Sometimes, he simply says what he thinks,” said a former Tesla employee who worked closely with him.
The impact on global conversation
The truth is that, once again, Elon Musk has achieved what he knows best to do: generate conversation. Its ability to place sensitive issues on the public agenda, without filter or political correction, makes it a figure as admired as controversy.
While some ask for censorship or sanctions, others celebrate that the debate is opened. Sport, as a mirror of society, continues to face complex questions without easy answers.
Conclusion
The phrase “men do not take place in women’s sports” resonates as a powerful echo in the midst of a world divided between science, identity and rights. Elon Musk, with his direct and provocative style, re -shake the loving one again, and like it or not, he has put on the table a conversation that many institutions prefer to avoid.
Whatever the posture, the truth is that the debate on the inclusion in sport as soon as it begins, and with figures like Musk intervening, the discussion promises to be long, intense and media.
