In a bold and controversial statement posted on his platform X (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 severe penalties for what he described as “gender cheating” in sports.
“If we allow biological males to dominate women’s competition, we’re not just erasing records; we’re erasing women,” Musk wrote in a post that quickly went viral. “This is not inclusion. This is fraud.”
Musk’s comments come amid a growing international debate over gender identity in sports, particularly track and field, swimming and combat sports. While some organizations have implemented testosterone thresholds or separate categories, Musk argues that such measures are not enough.
In a follow-up post, she proposed “massive disqualifications, lifetime bans, and stripped medals” for athletes and coaches who “intentionally violate the integrity of women’s competition categories.”
Reactions to Musk’s stance have been polarizing. Supporters have praised him for “standing up for biological women” and challenging what they see as unfair advantage. Critics, however, have accused him of spreading transphobia and misunderstanding the complexities of gender identity and sports governance.
Major LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned the remarks, with one organization calling Musk’s rhetoric “dangerous and dehumanizing.” Some women’s rights advocates, however, applauded the move, saying it would help preserve equity in women’s sports.
Sports organizations have yet to officially respond to Musk’s call for a boycott, but insiders suggest the issue is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, especially when one of the world’s most influential voices is throwing his weight behind it.
As always, Musk’s blunt and provocative language has sparked a firestorm of debate, and the ripple effects could soon reach the policies of governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee and FIFA.
