Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is back at the center of controversy after a statement that sparked heated global debate: “Men don’t participate in women’s sports.” His statement sparked a wave of reactions on social media, in the media, and in political circles, reigniting a sensitive debate about sports, equity, and gender identity.

The controversy arose after a message Musk posted on his social network X, criticizing the participation of transgender people in women’s competitions. “This isn’t about hate. This is about justice for women who train their entire lives to compete on equal terms,” he wrote. He then added: “Biological men shouldn’t compete in women’s sports. It’s common sense.”

The post quickly surpassed a million interactions, dividing users between those who applauded it for “saying what many people think” and those who accused it of transphobia.

Several public figures reacted to the tycoon’s comments. Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender Olympic medalist, supported Musk, stating that “protecting women’s sports isn’t discrimination, it’s respect.” On the other hand, LGBTQ+ rights organizations like Glaad condemned his message, calling it “harmful and dangerous to the trans community.”

Several elite athletes also spoke out. Former athlete Riley Gaines, a frequent critic of the inclusion of trans women in women’s competitions, thanked Musk for his support: “Thank you, Elon, for having the courage to say what many athletes can’t say for fear of being erased.”

However, Megan Rapinoe, a football star and inclusion activist, responded with irony: “Maybe Elon should focus on the rockets and leave the sport to the people who live it.”

High-performance sport has been grappling with this controversy for years. The inclusion of transgender women in women’s competitions has led to changes in organizations like FINE (swimming) and World Athletics, which recently restricted their participation in certain events. 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 is an injustice to women. “This isn’t ideology, it’s biology,” he stated in another publication.

Some critics suggest that Elon Musk is using these types of messages to strengthen his image as a defender of “freedom of expression” and appeal to conservative sectors, especially in a political context in which his social network X has lost large advertisers and is trying to consolidate a loyal user base.

Others, however, believe their opinions reflect a genuine concern for the fundamental principles of sport. “It’s not all strategy. Sometimes, he just says what he thinks,” said a former Tesla employee who worked closely with him.

The truth is that, once again, Elon Musk has achieved his goal: generating debate. His ability to place sensitive issues on the public agenda, without filters or political corrections, makes him a figure as admired as he is controversial.

While some are calling for censorship or sanctions, others are celebrating the opening of the debate. Sport, a mirror of society, continues to address complex issues with no easy answers.

The phrase “men don’t participate in women’s sports” resonates powerfully in a world torn between science, identity, and rights. Elon Musk, with his direct and provocative style, has revitalized kindness and, like it or not, has brought to the table a debate that many institutions prefer to avoid.

Whatever one’s position, the truth is that the debate on inclusion in sports, once it begins, and with figures like Musk joining in, promises to be long, intense, and highly publicized.