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
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: