Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after posting a blunt statement on womanhood that quickly went viral on social media.
On Saturday morning, the Tesla and SpaceX chief wrote on his platform X:
“If you have a womb, you are a woman. Otherwise, you are not.”
The 13-word post attracted more than 30 million views and tens of thousands of responses within hours, highlighting the deep and ongoing global divide over gender identity.
Supporters praise ‘biological clarity’
Many users rallied behind Musk, praising the post as a defence of biological definitions.
Some commenters argued that the statement reflected what they described as long-established scientific understanding. Others suggested that debates around gender identity have turned simple biological facts into controversial topics.
“This has been true throughout human history,” one user wrote, while another said society had reached a point where “stating the obvious” had become contentious.
Critics cite medical and social realities
Others strongly challenged Musk’s position, pointing out medical and lived realities that complicate such a definition.
Several users noted that women born without a uterus, including those with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, would be excluded under Musk’s definition. Others highlighted women who have undergone hysterectomies due to illness or medical necessity.
Transgender advocates also pushed back, arguing that gender identity cannot be reduced solely to reproductive anatomy.
“That’s your opinion,” one commenter responded. “Trans women are women too.”
Context: growing tensions over trans issues
Musk’s post came just a day after a heated exchange involving California Governor Gavin Newsom, who reiterated his support for transgender rights during a podcast interview with The New York Times.
“I want to see trans kids, I have a trans godson,” Newsom said, adding that he had championed more pro-trans legislation than any other governor.
Newsom’s press office later reposted the clip with a pointed message directed at Musk, referencing the billionaire’s estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who has publicly criticised her father.
Musk responded sharply, rejecting the criticism and repeating his view that gender-affirming care for minors is harmful, language that has previously drawn condemnation from LGBTQ+ groups.
Public opinion remains deeply divided
The exchange reflects broader divisions in public opinion, particularly in the United States.
According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 51% of Americans believe changing one’s gender is morally wrong, while 44% consider it morally acceptable. At the same time, more than 60% oppose laws banning gender-affirming care for minors, underscoring the complexity of public attitudes.
A familiar pattern of controversy
Musk is no stranger to backlash over his social media activity. His posts on X frequently generate headlines, ranging from personal attacks on public figures to disputed historical claims.
In recent years, he has drawn criticism for comments involving celebrities, political leaders and historical events, often prompting fact-checks and public apologies.
Despite repeated controversies, Musk continues to use his platform to express strong views on cultural and political issues, often framing himself as a critic of what he calls “woke ideology”.
Debate unlikely to fade
Musk’s latest remarks have reignited a debate that extends far beyond social media, touching on science, identity, law and human rights.
As governments, courts and institutions worldwide grapple with how to balance biological definitions with gender identity and equality, the conversation sparked by Musk’s post shows little sign of easing.
