Privileged TV star Andy Cohen sneered that the trans women in sports controversy 'affects about four people' before Donald Trump's anti-woke speech to Congress.
The Watch What Happens Live host, 56, got on his soapbox after Meghan McCain praised President Trump for inviting a female volleyball player injured by a transgender rival to Tuesday's address to Congress.
McCain called the athlete, Payton McNabb, 'incredibly smart, strong and brave.'
The Republican commentator, who supports LGBT rights, added: 'Democrats defending young women suffering from traumatic brain injuries as a result of trans athletes is why they will continue losing every election.'
Cohen was not pleased with his friend McCain's comment, and replied: '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.'
McNabb then entered the conversation, writing on X: 'Andy, calling the protection of women’s sports a "non-issue" that affects "four people" is not just dismissive—it’s factually wrong.
Andy Cohen was slammed online after he claimed the issue of trans women in women's sports only affects 'about four people'
Payton McNabb, who became an activist for women's sports after suffering brain damage while playing high school volleyball against a trans athlete, took issue with Cohen's comments. She is seen on Tuesday as second lady Usha Vance watches during President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress
'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."'
Cohen fired back again, arguing his response was based on data by provided by NCAA president Charlie Baker.
'The NCAA President testified under oath that of over 500,000 student athletes, he is aware of fewer than 10 trans members. that’s where I got my information,' Cohen wrote to McNabb.
Cohen was referencing data provided by Baker during a congressional hearing in December. However, that data does not include high school athletics or sports at other levels.
Social media users quickly noted the exchanges on the topic and slammed Cohen, who oversees the Real Housewives franchise, for downplaying the issue of trans athletes in sports.
'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,' said one X response.
'Perhaps Andy when your daughter grows up and wants to play a physical sport like basketball or volleyball you might change your tune,' read another.
Cohen made the controversial comments in response to a post by his friend Meghan McCain
A third added: 'Protecting girls vilifies no one; it's just the right thing to do. Why Andy Cohen is opposed to protecting girls is beyond be.'
McNabb was 17 when a ball spiked by a trans opponent with force struck her in the face, threw her to the ground and left her unconscious while she played a volleyball match in September 2022.
Doctors diagnosed McNabb with a traumatic brain injury, concussion, paralysis on her right side, whiplash and vision problems.
The physical damage ended her dreams of getting a volleyball college scholarship and has made it difficult to walk without falling.
McNabb says she continues to struggle to move the right side of her body — leading her to regularly lose her balance and suffer from falls.
She has since campaigned to keep trans athletes out competing in women's sports, earning herself two presidential honors.
Trans athlete Lia Thomas and Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines react after finishing tied for 5th in the 200 Freestyle finals at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in 2022
McNabb was one of the many female athletes gathered inside the White House last month to witness President Trump signing the 'No Men in Women's Sports' executive order at the White House last month.
She was a guest of the Commander-in-Chief's during his address to Congress and stood to rapturous applause from Republicans when he mentioned her name.
Many Democrats insistence on supporting transgender women who wish to compete in female sports was seen as a huge vote loser among moderate and undecided voters.
Dem supporters insist that everyone has a right to play sports and that the trans community is a small, vulnerable population that's being unfairly singled out.
Critics say trans women who go through male puberty usually have considerable biological advantages over females, even after undertaking hormone therapy.
They say it is unfair to let trans athletes enter contests they're more likely to win, depriving biological females of medals or even scholarships.
