TV star Andy Cohen sneered that the trans women in sports controversy (Image: Getty)
host Andy Cohen has come under fire for his comments on the trans women in sports controversy, stating it “affects about four people” before ‘s “anti-woke” speech to Congress. The Watch What Happens Live host, 56, sparked backlash after his reaction to Republican commentator Meghan McCain’s praise of Trump for inviting injured volleyball player Payton McNabb to Congress. McCain hailed McNabb as “incredibly smart, strong and brave,” while criticising Democrats for their stance on trans athletes, claiming it contributes to their electoral losses.
McCain, who supports rights, blasted: “Democrats defending young women suffering from traumatic brain injuries as a result of trans athletes is why they will continue losing every election,” McCain stated. Cohen blasted back at McCain, posting: “Surprised you’re buying into the vilification of the trans community given the real problems happening in this country, your previous ally-ship of the LGBTQ community, and the fact that this non-issue affects about four people in this country.”
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Payton McNabb was invited to President Trump’s Congressional Speech in Washington D.C. (Image: AP)
McNabb herself joined the conversation, emphasising the broader impact on women’s sports. “Andy, calling the protection of women’s sports a ‘non-issue’ that affects ‘four people’ is not just dismissive—it’s factually wrong. Hundreds of female athletes have lost podium spots, scholarships, and opportunities. My own injury was life-changing. And even if it were just one girl, that’s one too many. This is about fairness and safety, not ‘vilification,'” McNabb wrote on X.
Cohen defended his stance, citing NCAA president Charlie Baker’s testimony that fewer than 10 trans members are among over 500,000 student athletes. “That’s where I got my information,” Cohen clarified. However, the data cited does not cover high school athletics or sports at other levels, a fact noted during a congressional hearing in December.
Social media users expressed their disappointment in Cohen, accusing him of downplaying serious issues. “Andy, I’m surprised you don’t stand up for women more as we are ones that keep your shows going. You have a daughter. Be better about the future,” one X user commented.
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Meghan McCain once appeared on Andy’s show, Watch What Happens Live (Image: Getty)
Another added: “Perhaps Andy when your daughter grows up and wants to play a physical sport like basketball or volleyball you might change your tune.”
More chimed in, blasting: “Protecting girls vilifies no one; it’s just the right thing to do. Why Andy Cohen is opposed to protecting girls is beyond me.” McNabb’s traumatic experience began during a volleyball match in September 2022, when she was struck in the face by a ball from a trans opponent, resulting in a concussion, paralysis on her right side, whiplash, and vision problems. The incident dashed her hopes of a volleyball scholarship and continues to affect her mobility and balance.
She has since been a vocal advocate for restricting trans athletes’ participation in women’s sports, a stance that earned her two presidential honors. McNabb was also present at the White House for Trump’s signing of the ‘No Men in Women’s Sports’ executive order and received significant applause from Republicans during Trump’s address to Congress.