Comedian Bill Maher has publicly defended Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, asserting that her comments regarding the protection of women's sports are representative of a majority viewpoint. On his HBO show, 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' the host characterized the backlash against Cunningham as "lunacy."
Maher highlighted what he described as a misrepresentation of Cunningham's statements. He quoted Cunningham as saying, "I am here to extend love, but I also think that love is truth and 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." Maher argued that Cunningham's remarks were twisted into an anti-transgender sentiment, when her expressed concern was specifically about safeguarding girls in sports and locker rooms.
"Again, this is where 80% of the country is," Maher stated on his program, suggesting broad public agreement with Cunningham's position. He criticized the narrative shift that followed Cunningham's comments to ESPN, emphasizing that she did not express dislike for transgender individuals but rather a desire to protect biological females.
Maher drew a parallel between the reaction to Cunningham and the actions of Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who was seen wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" shirt. Maher questioned the connection, asking, "When did Sophie Cunningham say trans kids didn't belong? Show me where she said that. How did we get from Point A (Sophie) to Point B (Cheryl)? It's insane."
The controversy emerged as Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes in women's sports garnered attention. Reports indicate that crowds have gathered outside WNBA arenas, holding signs in support of Cunningham, bringing the national debate surrounding transgender athletes into the WNBA environment. Among those showing support for Cunningham was Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer, and Jen Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, who posed with Cunningham courtside after an Indiana Fever game.