Fox reporter Carley Shimkus incorrectly identifies Olympic athlete Caster Semenya as transgender

Shimkus’ inaccurate reporting perpetuates Fox News coverage advocating against trans inclusion in sports

Written by Alex Paterson

Published

Update (5/2/19): On May 2, Shimkus issued an apology for incorrectly stating that Caster Semenya is transgender.

Fox News reporter Carley Shimkus falsely stated that Caster Semenya, a track athlete and two-time Olympic champion, was transgender while covering her court case against the International Association of Athletics Federations. Semenya has a difference in sex development and is not transgender. According to CNN, Semenya unsuccessfully challenged the federation’s “introduction of new rules regulating the testosterone levels for athletes with a difference in sex development” and “will now need to take medication to reduce her testosterone if she wants to compete internationally.” She has been subjected to gender-based scrutiny and harassment throughout her career.

Shimkus’ inaccurate reporting perpetuates Fox News’ pattern of coverage that advocates against allowing trans athletes to compete in gender-segregated sports that align with their gender identity. From the May 1 edition of Fox News’ Fox & Friends:

CARLEY SHIMKUS (REPORTER): A transgender Olympic runner loses her court appeal about testosterone levels in female athletes. The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejecting Caster Semenya’s case that athletes should not have to reduce their levels to compete in international track and field events. The new regulations go into effect this month.