Elon Musk has done it again. The billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) has sparked a new wave of controversy on social media after making a forceful statement that divided opinions around the world: “Biological males are not allowed in women’s sports.”

The phrase was posted on his official X account, the social network he bought in 2022, and quickly went viral. While some applaud him for standing up for what they consider “common sense,” others accuse him of transphobia and of fueling hate speech against the transgender community.

The publication that sparked the debate

In his post, Musk wrote:
“Biological males are not allowed in women’s sports. This isn’t hate, it’s simply fairness for female athletes.”

She accompanied the message with an image of a female athlete in a competition, along with a graph showing the average physiological differences between men and women. The content was quickly shared, generating millions of interactions and thousands of comments both positive and negative.

Divided reactions: support and rejection

The message sparked a strong reaction on social media. Conservative figures and some athletes supported Musk’s stance. Former Olympic swimmer Riley Gaines , for example, responded to the tweet by saying,
“Thank you, Elon, for standing up for women’s sports. Many don’t have the courage to say it.”

On the other hand, LGBT+ rights organizations condemned the statements, calling them exclusionary and dangerous. GLAAD , one of the most influential organizations on LGBTQ+ representation, issued a statement saying:
“These types of messages reinforce stigmas and put the integrity and safety of trans people at risk. Elon Musk should use his platform to promote inclusion, not discrimination.”

What does science say?

The debate over the inclusion of transgender people in sports is not new. Some scientific studies have indicated that, even after hormone treatments, transgender women may retain certain physiological advantages that affect performance in specific disciplines.

However, other researchers argue that generalizing is a mistake and that each case should be evaluated individually. They also emphasize that transgender participation in sports represents a very low percentage and that the focus should be on equity, not exclusion.

Musk and his history of controversial comments

This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has spoken out controversially on social issues. In the past, he has questioned the use of pronouns, mocked certain progressive positions, and supported initiatives that have been labeled “anti-woke.”

In 2023, he restored multiple accounts suspended for discriminatory comments, defending “absolute freedom of expression” on his platform. Many believe his opinions are deliberately intended to provoke certain groups, while others claim he simply expresses “what everyone thinks but no one dares to say.”

Media and political impact

The phrase “No biological males allowed” has transcended the digital world and has already been cited in political debates in the United States and Europe. Some conservative lawmakers have used the tweet to support laws restricting the participation of transgender people in women’s  sports competitions .

In contrast, progressive leaders have denounced a systematic attempt to render trans people invisible and excluded, using media figures like Musk to legitimize retrograde positions.

Viral tweet or dangerous message?

For many, the key question isn’t whether Musk is right or wrong, but rather what real impact his words have on society. With over 180 million followers, each of his posts becomes a global phenomenon. The reach of his messages can influence perceptions, public policies, and the daily lives of millions.

The truth is that Elon Musk has once again divided public opinion. While some see him as a defender of justice and women’s sports, others point to him as an agent of exclusion.

In an increasingly polarized world, his words have the power to spark debates, move masses, and shift narratives. The question is: does he do it out of conviction, strategy, or simply to keep the spotlight on himself?