Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (former Twitter), returned to the center of the controversy after a declaration that generated a heated global debate: “Men do not take part in women’s sport”.His declaration has triggered a wave of reactions on social networks, media and political environments, rekindling a delicate debate on sports, equity and gender identity.
A declaration that shakes the nets
The controversy was born after a message published by Musk on her social network X, in which she criticized the participation of transgender people in female competitions. “It is not hate. This is justice for women who train all their lives to compete with equal arms,” he wrote. He added: “Biological men should not compete in women’s sports. It’s common sense”.
The publication quickly exceeded the million interactions, dividing users among those who applaud it for having “said what many think” and those who accuse it of transfobia.
Support and condemnation: the world replies
Several public personalities have reacted to the words of the tycoon. Caitlyn Jenner, Transgender Olympic medal, supported Musk by saying that “protecting women’s sport is not discrimination, it is respect”. On the other hand, organizations for LGBTQ+ rights as glad have condemned its message, calling it “harmful and dangerous for the trans community”.
Several elite athletes also took the floor. The former athlete Riley Gaines, a usual criticism of the inclusion of trans women in female competitions, thanked Musk for his support: “Thanks, Elon, for having had the courage to say what many athletes cannot say for fear of being deleted”.
However, Megan Rapinoe, football star and an activist for inclusion, replied with irony: “Maybe Elon should focus on the rockets and leave sport to those who live it”.
A debate that continues to burn
High performance sport has faced this controversy for years. The inclusion of transgender women in female skills has led to changes in organizations such as the end (swimming) or World Athletics, who recently limited their participation in some tests. The question revolves around the balance between inclusion and competitive equity.
For Musk, the demarcation line is clear: allowing athletes organically born to compete in women’s sports represents an injustice towards 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 strengthen his image of defender of the “freedom of expression” and attract conservative sectors, especially in a political context in which his social network X has lost great advertisers and tries to consolidate a faithful base of users.
Others, however, believe that their opinions reflect real concern for the fundamental 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 its goal: to generate debate. His ability to put delicate themes in the public agenda, without filters or political corrections, makes him a figure as admired as it is controversial.
While some ask for censorship or sanctions, others celebrate the opening of the debate. Sport, a mirror of society, continues to face complex unparalleled issues.
Conclusion
The phrase “men do not take part in women’s sport” resonates as a powerful echo in a world divided between science, identity and rights. Elon Musk, with his direct and provocative style, has relaunched lovingness and, whether we like it or not, has put on the table a debate that many institutions prefer to avoid.
Whatever the position, the truth is that the debate on inclusion in sport, as soon as it starts, and with characters like Musk who will intervene, the discussion promises to be long, intense and media.