Actor Hugh Laurie has publicly stated his position on transgender athletes participating in women's sports, aligning himself with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's recent remarks on the topic.
Laurie, known for his role in the television series "House," responded on social media to a post by trans activist Graham Linehan, asserting his belief that men should not compete against women. In a subsequent exchange, Laurie explicitly voiced his support for Cunningham, who has faced backlash for expressing similar views.
Cunningham, in an interview published July 21, stated that she does not believe women should have to compete against biological men. She clarified that her position was not one of hate towards transgender individuals but rather a desire to protect young girls in sports and locker rooms.
"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 told ESPN. She described her stance as being "very much in the middle," agreeing and disagreeing with aspects of different viewpoints.
Cunningham's comments have drawn both support and criticism. Laurie's public backing of Cunningham's stance adds a notable voice from Hollywood to the ongoing debate. A March 2025 New York Times poll indicated that 79% of Americans believe men should be barred from competing in women's sports.