Lia Thomas and Valentina Petrillo Slam Elon Musk Over Boycott Call for Transgender Athletes

May 8, 2025 — A Heated Response

Transgender athletes Lia Thomas and Valentina Petrillo have launched fierce responses to comments made by tech mogul Elon Musk, who recently called for a global boycott of sports events that allow transgender women to compete in women’s categories. Musk’s remarks, widely regarded as inflammatory, have sparked outrage across both the sporting and LGBTQ+ communities, escalating the ongoing debate about transgender athletes’ participation in competitive sports.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Call for a Boycott

Musk, known for his provocative statements and often controversial positions, made waves when he posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling for a boycott of competitions that allow biological males to compete against women. In his post, Musk claimed that such policies “erase women from the podium” and proposed severe penalties for what he described as “gender fraud” in sports. His comments were quickly shared and discussed across social media, garnering both support from certain conservative groups and backlash from those advocating for transgender rights and inclusion.

Musk’s call for action resonated with many women’s rights advocates and conservative commentators, who argue that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports creates an uneven playing field. However, his comments were swiftly condemned by transgender athletes, allies, and advocates, who argue that such rhetoric is harmful and stigmatizes an already marginalized group.

Lia Thomas: “Fueling Hate Under the Guise of Fairness”

Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship in swimming, was quick to respond to Musk’s remarks. In a strongly worded statement, Thomas accused the billionaire of “fueling hate under the guise of fairness.” She made it clear that Musk’s comments were not just misguided but harmful, especially in the context of the ongoing struggles faced by transgender athletes.

“Elon Musk is not a sports authority. He’s a billionaire playing culture war games from behind a screen,” Thomas stated. “Trans women are not cheaters. We are athletes who train, compete, and belong.” Her words highlighted the frustration many transgender athletes feel when their identities and efforts are dismissed in favor of divisive political rhetoric.

Thomas’ involvement in women’s competitions, which has sparked heated debate since her rise to prominence, became a flashpoint for discussions on fairness and inclusion in sports. She has continued to advocate for transgender rights and inclusion, making it clear that her goal is to compete on an equal footing with other athletes, without being singled out due to her gender identity.

Valentina Petrillo: A Strong Rejection of Musk’s Remarks

Valentina Petrillo, an Italian para-athlete who made history as the first transgender woman to compete in women’s para-track events in Europe, also condemned Musk’s comments, calling them “dangerous, dehumanizing, and based on fear, not facts.” Petrillo, who has faced significant hurdles throughout her athletic career as a transgender athlete, warned that Musk’s words could have serious consequences for the safety and well-being of transgender individuals.

“This kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk,” Petrillo said. “It emboldens discrimination and undermines everything sport stands for: inclusion, perseverance, and respect.” She emphasized that the debate about transgender athletes is a complex issue that requires understanding and compassion, rather than inflammatory remarks that serve only to stoke fear and division.

Backlash and Support: A Divided Response

The backlash to Musk’s statements was swift, with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and supporters of transgender athletes calling for sponsors and sports organizations to publicly denounce his comments. Many within the LGBTQ+ community expressed concerns that Musk’s words would incite more harassment and abuse toward transgender athletes, a sentiment that was echoed by numerous athletes who reported an uptick in online abuse and vitriol since Musk’s post went viral.

Despite the overwhelming criticism, Musk remained defiant. In a tweet posted late Monday night, he doubled down on his stance, stating, “If that offends people, maybe they should rethink why fairness in sport matters. I won’t apologize for telling the truth.” His refusal to apologize only fueled the firestorm, with critics accusing him of further undermining the dignity and rights of transgender athletes.

The Larger Debate: Fairness, Inclusion, and the Future of Sports

Musk’s controversial stance has brought the debate over transgender athletes to a new level of hostility. For some, his words highlight the growing tension between inclusivity and fairness in sports—particularly when it comes to transgender women competing in women’s categories. Advocates for transgender inclusion argue that sports should be a space where athletes are free to compete without facing discrimination based on their gender identity. They emphasize that the primary goal of sports is to promote individual achievement and fair competition, regardless of gender.

On the other hand, critics argue that transgender women, particularly those who transition after male puberty, may retain physical advantages that create an unfair playing field in certain sports. This debate, now heightened by Musk’s remarks, is likely to continue as more transgender athletes enter competitive sports, and as governing bodies like World Aquatics and the NCAA adjust their policies in response to this evolving issue.

Conclusion: A Divisive Moment in Sports History

The controversy sparked by Elon Musk’s remarks about transgender athletes represents a divisive moment in the history of women’s sports. While the issue of fairness and inclusion will continue to be a topic of intense debate, the reactions from athletes like Lia Thomas and Valentina Petrillo serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rights of all athletes to compete and be recognized for their talents.

Musk’s comments have brought the issue to the forefront of public discussion, forcing sports organizations, athletes, and fans to confront uncomfortable questions about gender, fairness, and the future of competitive sports. As the debate continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: transgender athletes will continue to be a central part of the conversation, and their voices will be critical in shaping the policies and practices that define the future of sports.