Trans swimmer is latest public figure to be targeted with false anti-LGBTQ+ quotes on social media

Swimming Australia has called for fake anti-LGBTQ+ quotes about trans swimmer Lia Thomas, attributed to Olympic 200m freestyle champion Mollie O’Callaghan, to be removed from social media platforms.

In recent days, several posts have appeared on Meta platforms Facebook and Instagram, as well as on X/Twitter, which claimed that Australian star O’Callaghan had hit out at trans inclusion in sport and specifically at Thomas.

“I will not participate in the 2028 Olympics if that man, Lia Thomas, is allowed to compete,” one quote read. “Let him swim in the men’s category, he shouldn’t be here. Sharing a pool with Lia Thomas is an insult and a disgrace.”

Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas made history in 2022 as the first trans woman to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association swimming championship. Since then, she has become a figure in the war on trans athletes, and been banned by World Aquatics, in the wake of executive orders signed by US president Donald Trump.

In addition, her swimming records have been erased by the university.

National governing body Swimming Australia has issued a statement, saying: “There are currently fabricated quotes attributed to Mollie O’Callaghan appearing on social media posts. At no stage has O’Callaghan been interviewed and provided commentary on transgender athletes.

“Meta has been advised of the fake news, and O’Callaghan and Swimming Australia have requested the posts be taken down.”

Meta has said the request was being investigated but the fake quotes could still be seen on platforms on Monday (13 October).

Earlier this month, claims appeared on social media, saying Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb had refused to wear a rainbow-coloured armband.

However, the wide receiver never made the comments and NFL stars have never been asked to don the armbands during games.

• Dec 01 2023

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