In a bold move that has reignited the fierce debate over gender identity in private spaces, tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly praised a women-only gym for ejecting transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, declaring her “not the right gender” for the facility.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, not only lauded the gym’s decision but also promised to inject significant personal funds to support and expand its operations, framing it as a stand for “biological women’s rights and privacy.”

The incident unfolded last month at PureFit Ladies, a small but popular women-only fitness center in Austin, Texas, known for its strict policy of admitting only biological females. According to gym owner Sarah Jenkins, Thomas—formerly known as William Thomas before transitioning—attempted to use the women’s locker room and workout areas.

Staff intervened, politely but firmly asking Thomas to leave, citing complaints from multiple members who felt uncomfortable sharing intimate spaces with someone they perceived as biologically male.

“She identified as a woman, but our gym is exclusively for biological women to provide a safe, judgment-free environment,” Jenkins explained in a statement. “We have to prioritize the comfort and privacy of our core members. It’s not about hate; it’s about maintaining the purpose of a women-only space.”

The confrontation quickly went viral after eyewitness videos surfaced on social media, showing Thomas being escorted out while protesting the decision. Supporters of the gym cheered the move as a necessary defense of women’s spaces, while critics decried it as transphobic discrimination.

Enter Elon Musk. The outspoken entrepreneur, who has frequently criticized what he calls “woke” policies on gender issues, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his support.

In a series of posts that garnered millions of views, Musk wrote: “Finally, a gym with backbone! Protecting real women’s spaces is common sense. Lia Thomas isn’t the right gender for a women-only facility—full stop. Proud to back this.”

Musk didn’t stop at words. Sources close to the billionaire confirm he has pledged an initial $5 million investment to PureFit Ladies, with plans for more if the gym expands to multiple locations. “Elon sees this as a model for the future,” one insider said.

“He wants to fund women-only gyms across the country that uphold biological reality, free from ideological pressure. This could include state-of-the-art facilities, legal defense funds, and even app integrations for member safety.”

Musk’s involvement has supercharged the gym’s profile. Membership inquiries have skyrocketed, with women from across the U.S. expressing gratitude for a space where they feel truly secure. “I’ve avoided gyms for years because of mixed policies,” one new member shared anonymously.

“Knowing this place stands firm makes me want to sign up immediately.”

But the story took a legal turn when an enraged Lia Thomas filed a lawsuit against PureFit Ladies, alleging discrimination based on gender identity in violation of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Thomas, who made headlines in 2022 as the first transgender woman to win an NCAA Division I national championship in swimming, claims the expulsion caused emotional distress and public humiliation.

“My client has every right to access public accommodations without facing bigotry,” Thomas’s attorney stated. “This isn’t a private club; it’s a business open to women, and Lia is a woman. Deadnaming and ejecting her is outright illegal.”

Legal experts, however, predict the lawsuit has slim chances of success. Private gyms, especially those marketed explicitly as women-only, often operate under exemptions similar to those for single-sex spaces like shelters or spas.

In Texas, where the incident occurred, state laws lean toward protecting religious and privacy-based exclusions, and recent federal shifts under conservative influences have bolstered defenses for biological sex-based policies.

“Title IX and similar laws were meant to protect women from male intrusion, not the other way around,” argued women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines, a former competitor of Thomas who has become a vocal critic.

Gaines, who tied with Thomas in a 2022 race but felt the competition was unfair due to biological advantages, praised Musk’s intervention. “This lawsuit is doomed. Courts are increasingly recognizing that forcing biological males into women’s spaces erodes the very protections women fought for.”

Precedents support this view. Similar cases involving transgender access to single-sex facilities have been dismissed when privacy and safety concerns for biological women were prioritized. Analysts point to recent rulings affirming that businesses can enforce sex-based policies without running afoul of discrimination statutes, especially in non-essential services like gyms.

Thomas’s legal team vows to fight on, potentially appealing to higher courts and framing the case as a civil rights battle. Yet, with public opinion polarized and Musk’s financial backing bolstering the gym’s defense, observers believe the suit is likely headed for dismissal or a swift loss.

The controversy highlights broader cultural tensions. Proponents of strict biological definitions argue that spaces like women-only gyms are essential refuges in an era where female privacy is increasingly challenged.

“Women deserve places where they don’t have to worry about male anatomy in changing rooms,” Musk posted, echoing sentiments from millions of his followers.

Critics, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, condemn the episode as harmful exclusion. “Trans women are women, and denying them access perpetuates stigma,” said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. They warn that Musk’s high-profile endorsement could encourage more such incidents.

As the lawsuit progresses, PureFit Ladies thrives under the spotlight. With Musk’s promised investments, the gym plans to open new branches in conservative strongholds, marketing itself as a “safe haven for real women.” Membership has tripled in weeks, proving that in this divisive issue, standing firm can pay off—literally.

Musk, ever the provocateur, summed it up in a final post: “Investing in truth and women’s rights. More to come.”

This saga underscores a shifting landscape where high-profile figures like Musk wield influence to champion biological sex distinctions, even as legal battles rage. For now, PureFit Ladies stands victorious, backed by one of the world’s richest men, while Lia Thomas’s challenge appears poised for defeat.