London Marathon Organisers Boycott X Over ‘Descent into Gutter’ Under Elon Musk
The London Marathon has announced that it will permanently boycott social media platform X, citing the platform’s “descent into a gutter” since Elon Musk took charge. The decision was made by event director Hugh Brasher, who expressed concerns over the horrific levels of abuse suffered online by Scottish athlete Eilish McColgan.
According to The Guardian, McColgan was subjected to vile abuse on social media, with some users accusing her of “looking like a skeleton” and having anorexia after posting videos of her training before Sunday’s race. Brasher described the abuse as “abhorrent” and praised McColgan for her exemplary response to the situation. “I think it’s abhorrent the abuse that she’s had,” he said. “How she has held herself and responded to that is exemplary. But there are some social media channels that are particularly vitriolic and are descending into a gutter. And as a result of that, London Marathon events have actually come off one of those channels.”
The London Marathon’s boycott of X is a significant move, with the event’s account on the platform having not posted to its 191,000 followers for three months. Brasher confirmed that the decision to boycott X was due to the platform’s toxic environment, stating that it was “ceasing to be a rational conversation” and “ceasing to be a positive place to be.” The Guardian reported that Brasher’s comments highlight the growing concerns over the impact of social media on athletes and the need for a safer online environment.
In an interview with The Guardian, Brasher contrasted X’s negative environment with the London Marathon’s aims of promoting positivity and inclusivity. “The London Marathon is about positivity,” he said. “One of the aims of my father and John was to show that on occasion, the family of humankind could be joyous together and celebrate together. That’s what the London Marathon is about. It is a force for good. And we didn’t feel that channel shared those values, and therefore we have come off.”
The London Marathon’s decision to boycott X also comes amid ongoing debates over the participation of trans women in elite and championship female races. Brasher confirmed that the London Marathon would continue to bar trans women from competing in these events, while allowing them to participate in the mass participation event. This decision follows last week’s UK Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under British equalities law. According to The Guardian, Brasher is waiting for guidance from the Equalities Human Rights Commission and Sport England on how to implement the court’s ruling.
In a statement to The Guardian, Brasher emphasised the London Marathon’s commitment to protecting women’s rights. “The London Marathon has been very clear about protecting women’s rights,” he said. “To take part in good-for-age, championship, elite and age-group prizes, they have to be birth women, as defined by the courts. To take part in the mass event, it is self-selection. How do you check? People are asked to provide ID. And your passport could say your gender, and your gender can say female, even if you were born male.” The London Marathon’s stance on this issue highlights the complexities and challenges faced by sports organisations in balancing inclusivity with fairness and equality.
The boycott of X by the London Marathon is a significant development in the ongoing conversation about social media’s impact on society. As The Guardian reported, the London Marathon’s decision reflects a growing trend of organisations and individuals reevaluating their relationship with social media platforms. By prioritising a positive and inclusive online environment, the London Marathon is setting an example for other organisations to follow. As Brasher noted, “We delight in being both inclusive but also protecting in-competition the rights of women, which is incredibly important.”
The news was first reported by The Guardian on April 23, 2025. For more information, visit: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/23/london-marathon-organisers-boycott-x-over-descent-into-gutter-under-elon-musk
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