In an era where conversations about gender identity and fairness in sports are increasingly polarizing, one unexpected voice has added fuel to the fire — Maye Musk, the mother of tech billionaire Elon Musk. In a recent social media post that has since gone viral, the 76-year-old model and dietitian issued a bold and controversial statement supporting the exclusion of biological men from women’s sports.
Her now-infamous 10-word tweet — “Biological men shouldn’t compete in women’s sports. Boycott unfair events.” — instantly ignited a firestorm of debate online and in the media, sparking both praise and fierce criticism from across the political and social spectrum.
Maye Musk, known for her elegance, intellect, and as a vocal advocate for women’s rights and health, rarely comments on divisive political issues. But her tweet came at a moment of mounting tension surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in female sports categories — an issue that has split sports organizations, governments, and communities around the globe.
Supporters Praise “Courage”
Many conservative commentators and women’s rights activists praised Musk’s stance, applauding her for speaking out on what they see as a growing imbalance in women’s competitive sports. Former Olympic athletes and advocacy groups echoed her sentiments, citing recent events where transgender women have dominated female sports competitions, sparking allegations of unfairness due to physiological advantages.
“She said what many of us are too afraid to say,” tweeted one former female college athlete. “We are not anti-trans, we are pro-fairness in women’s sports.”
Organizations such as Save Women’s Sports also chimed in, urging their followers to support Maye Musk and help raise awareness around what they call “the erasure of female categories.”
Backlash from LGBTQ+ Advocates
However, the backlash was swift and passionate. LGBTQ+ activists and allies criticized Musk’s statement as harmful, reductive, and misleading. Many argued that the issue is far more nuanced than Musk’s 10-word slogan suggests, pointing to transgender athletes who undergo hormone therapy and follow regulations set by global sports bodies such as the International Olympic Committee.
“These types of sweeping generalizations harm real people,” said one spokesperson from a leading LGBTQ+ rights organization. “Transgender women are women. Blanket bans or boycotts contribute to an environment of fear, discrimination, and misinformation.”
Critics also accused Maye Musk of using her platform irresponsibly, leveraging her massive following to amplify a divisive message without offering any room for dialogue or empathy.
Elon Musk: Silent — For Now
Interestingly, Elon Musk, who is no stranger to controversy himself and has commented on trans issues in the past, has remained notably silent following his mother’s viral post. In the past, he has both supported free speech and made cryptic remarks about gender identity debates, often drawing criticism and support from both sides of the political aisle.
Whether he will address this particular controversy remains to be seen, but observers note that his silence might be strategic, given the potential impact on his public image and business interests.
Bigger Picture: The Ongoing Sports Debate
This controversy is part of a broader global debate. In the U.S., several states have passed laws banning transgender women from participating in school and collegiate sports teams that match their gender identity. Internationally, sporting federations are revising their policies, balancing inclusivity with fairness.
Maye Musk’s tweet may have been short, but its impact has been long-lasting. It has reignited questions that societies around the world are grappling with: Where is the line between inclusion and fairness? And who gets to draw it?
As social media continues to dissect her statement, one thing is clear — the conversation is far from over.
