In a fiery and controversial tweet that has since gone viral, tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly referred to WNBA star Brittney Griner as a “b!tch” after making inflammatory comments about her gender identity. The outburst, which has sparked outrage across social media, appears to stem from Musk’s reaction to resurfaced debates about Griner’s biological sex—a topic that has long been weaponized by conservative critics.
The Tweet That Started It All
The incident began when Musk, known for his provocative online presence, responded to a post questioning Griner’s eligibility to compete in women’s sports due to her muscular physique. Musk allegedly replied:
“Just found out the truth about Brittney Griner. No wonder she dominates—total b!tch move. Women’s sports should be for biological women.”
Though the tweet was swiftly deleted (or possibly flagged by X’s moderation team), screenshots spread like wildfire, igniting fierce debates about transphobia, misogyny, and Musk’s growing influence as a self-appointed culture-war commentator.
Backlash and Defense
Critics were quick to condemn Musk’s remarks, with LGBTQ+ advocates and athletes calling the comment blatantly transphobic—despite Griner being a cisgender woman. Griner, who has faced years of invasive scrutiny over her appearance, has never identified as transgender but has been a frequent target of gender-based harassment.
“This is disgusting. Brittney is a woman, full stop,” tweeted fellow WNBA star Sue Bird. “Elon’s obsession with other people’s bodies is creepy and dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Musk’s supporters defended the billionaire, arguing that his comments were taken out of context or that he was merely “asking questions” about fairness in sports—a common talking point among anti-trans activists.
Musk’s History of Provocation
This isn’t the first time Musk has waded into gender politics. In recent years, he has repeatedly engaged with far-right accounts criticizing transgender athletes and has voiced support for banning trans women from female competitions. His latest attack on Griner, however, marks a significant escalation—targeting a high-profile Black, gay athlete who has already endured imprisonment in Russia and relentless public scrutiny.
Griner’s Silence—For Now
As of this writing, Griner has not publicly responded to Musk’s insult. However, sources close to the Phoenix Mercury player say she is “disappointed but not surprised” by the remarks. Given her history of resilience, many expect her to address the situation in the coming days.
The Bigger Picture
Musk’s outburst raises uncomfortable questions: Is this another calculated move to galvanize his conservative fanbase? Or is it a reckless, impulsive jab that could further alienate advertisers and mainstream users from X (formerly Twitter)?
One thing is certain: The controversy won’t die down soon. As debates over gender, free speech, and corporate accountability rage on, Musk has once again positioned himself at the center of the storm—whether the world wants him there or not.
What Do You Think?
Was Musk out of line, or was he “just stating facts,” as some claim? Should high-profile figures face consequences for such remarks? Sound off in the comments—if you dare.
