Riley Gaines won $10 million from Whoopi Goldberg in lawsuit? No, that’s satire | Fact check

On April 29, a post on Facebook displayed a comparison of images featuring former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines and comedian and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg. “Riley Gaines won $10 million against Whoopi Goldberg for defaming her reputation, extremely satisfied fans spoke up,” the post’s caption reads.

Within nine days, the post garnered 2,500 shares. The assertion stemmed from a satirical platform and was initially identified as such, although the Facebook post omitted this detail. There is no valid proof that a lawsuit was filed in reality.

The Facebook page that shared the claim included a link in the comments to an article from April 9 alleging a conflict between Goldberg and Gaines, with the latter being an outspoken critic of transgender women participating in women’s sports.

However, this narrative is fictitious. Any legal action involving Goldberg and Gaines would have received widespread coverage, yet there are no records in the courts or reports from reputable media sources to validate such a claim.

The article linked in the Facebook post is essentially a verbatim copy of a piece released on October 11, 2023, by Esspots, a branch of the satirical website SpaceXMania.com. The “About Us” section of the website specifies that its focus is on satire and parody news.

The article is clearly marked as satire, and the author’s biography mentions his expertise in “crafting clever and satirical pieces.”

The Facebook post exemplifies a phenomenon known as “stolen satire,” where satirical content initially labeled as such is reshared in a manner that gives the impression of being real news. This leads to a misinterpretation by readers of the subsequent post, as seen in this instance.

As more transgender individuals pursue athletic opportunities, the issue of how to ensure equitable and respectful participation has become increasingly prominent in the sporting world, sparking diverse viewpoints and impassioned discourse.

The debate over transgender athletes also reflects broader social and cultural dynamics, encompassing attitudes towards gender diversity, the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of sports as a microcosm of societal values and norms. The dialogue on this issue intersects with broader conversations about identity, representation, and the pursuit of equality within athletic arenas.

In an email to USA TODAY, Tim Lawson, the publisher of the SpaceXMania website, verified that the story is entirely fabricated. Since then, SpaceXMania has reposted the satirical assertion several times. Another satirical website, the Patriot Party Press, also released a similar story with a disclaimer affirming that “Nothing on this page is real.”

USA TODAY has refuted multiple untrue statements related to Gaines, such as claims suggesting her victory over transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in an Olympic qualifying event, receiving $1.2 million and a spot in the 2024 NCAA championship, and being granted Thomas’ medals.

One key point of contention centers on the perceived fairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete in categories aligned with their gender identity. Concerns regarding potential advantages or disadvantages based on physiological factors, such as muscle mass and hormone levels, have prompted deliberations on how to uphold principles of fair competition while respecting the rights of transgender athletes to express their gender identity.

The controversy surrounding transgender athletes intersects with legal and policy frameworks at various levels, encompassing regulations set forth by sports governing bodies, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Efforts to establish guidelines that balance inclusivity with competitive equity have led to ongoing developments in the formulation and implementation of transgender athlete participation policies.

Amidst the controversy, advocates emphasize the importance of fostering environments that prioritize inclusivity, respect, and the recognition of diverse experiences within the realm of sports. Calls for empathy, education, and dialogue seek to promote understanding and constructive engagement, acknowledging the fundamental rights of transgender individuals to participate in athletic pursuits while striving to address legitimate concerns related to competitive integrity.

The participation of transgender athletes in competitive sports has stirred significant debate, raising complex questions about fairness, inclusivity, and the intersection of gender identity and athletic competition. The controversy surrounding transgender athletes revolves around policies and regulations governing their eligibility to compete in accordance with their gender identity.