Hugh Laurie and Sophie Cunningham Discuss Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

Hugh Laurie, an English actor and comedian, has expressed his views on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This opinion may not sit well with some in Hollywood. Laurie, famous for his role in the drama series “House,” stated on social media that he opposes men competing against women.

Laurie’s statement was a response to a now-deleted post by writer and trans activist Graham Linehan. He wrote, “Firstly, f— off; secondly no, I don’t believe men should compete against women. I thought I’d made that pretty clear.” Laurie’s message reaffirmed his position on this controversial topic.

Linehan then quoted Laurie’s post and challenged him to support WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, who also opposes the inclusion of men in women’s sports. Laurie responded by voicing his support for Cunningham, saying, “You started it. ‘Cowardly’ to ‘f— off’ is the going rate of exchange around here. And yes, I support Sophie Cunningham. And you, some of the time.”

Sophie Cunningham, who has faced backlash after an ESPN story from July 21, expressed that she never intended to spread hate against the trans community. Cunningham emphasized her desire to protect young girls in locker rooms and sports competitions. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” she told the outlet. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Cunningham described herself as being in the middle of the debate, agreeing and disagreeing with both sides. “That’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume,” she added.

A New York Times poll conducted in March 2025 showed that 79% of Americans believe that men should not compete in women’s sports. This highlights the widespread nature of the opinions held by Laurie and Cunningham.