Sonny Bill Williams, who played 58 Tests for the All Blacks, has been labeled “transphobic” on social media after appearing to accept a woman’s statement that she “thanked God” that her parents didn’t allow her to undergo a sex change when she was 12.
William shared a tweet from well-known anti-transgender and anti-vaccination advocate Doctor Anastasia Maria Loupis, quoting “100, 100” in a post that appeared to provide support for her statement that read, “From ages 4 to 12, I wore boys’ clothes, played boy sports, and rejected all things ‘girly.’” When my brother made fun of me for being a girl, I joked that I would cut off my breasts as an adult. I was not transsexual; I simply admired my sibling. Thank God for the sanity of my parents.”
Williams deleted the tweet after receiving harsh outrage from social media users.
Williams’ controversial social media post that sparked a backlash before being removed. Image: Twitter
“Sonny Bill, I had tremendous regard for you as a rugby league and union player and as a decent person being. One Twitter user said, “I strongly urge you to listen to more transgender voices so you can learn and understand how hateful and out of touch it is to spread anti-trans rhetoric.”
Another commenter wrote, “I’m sure there are many transphobic individuals, but I wish I never had to witness them coming out.” This is detrimental and false for many trans journeys, Sonny. Now is the time to follow a trans ally rugby/league player, wrote another.
ZEENAT SIMJEE WILL JOIN THE SPRINGBOKS WORLD CUP MANAGEMENT TEAM
This is certainly disappointing. And I say this as a girl who used to be a tomboy and is now a butch lesbian, who recognizes that you are who you are, and the world is better for it.
February 6, 2023 — Alice Soper (@alicesoapbox) on Twitter
The Danish physician’s social media feed is frequently peppered with remarks advocating for the suppression of homosexual and transgender rights, anti-vaccination views, and support for Donald Trump.
WILLIAMS HAD A RENOWNED SPORTS CAREER
Williams resigned from his illustrious career in rugby and rugby league in 2021, yet he remains well-known for his boxing achievements.
In 2009, Williams converted to Islan while playing for Toulon in France. He became the All Blacks’ first Muslim player.
The 37-year-old is a dual citizen of New Zealand and Samoa. In 2019, he tweeted a “tearful message of condolence” for the victims of the Christchurch mosque killings and decried the persecution of the Uyghurs in China, stating, “It’s a sad time when we choose economic benefits over humanity.”
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