DINH DOONG

Recent social media speculation claiming that British chef Gordon Ramsay ejected trans swimmer Lia Thomas from one of his restaurants has been debunked as fake news.

In January 2024, a post on the SpaceX Fanclub Facebook page alleged that Ramsay, known for his strict culinary standards and fiery temperament, ousted Lia Thomas, a former NCAA swimmer, from his establishment, purportedly stating, “There’s no place for you here!” However, investigations reveal that these claims are not rooted in reality.

The rumor seems to have originated from Esspots.com, a website specializing in satire and parody news. The article humorously speculated on an incident involving Ramsay and a diner’s dissatisfaction with risotto, not actual events. Sources close to Ramsay dismissed the story, emphasizing that it was a fabrication and not reflective of Ramsay’s actions or beliefs.

Furthermore, reputable news outlets did not report on the alleged incident, and the specifics of which restaurant Ramsay supposedly ejected Thomas from were conspicuously absent from the narrative.

Meanwhile, Lia Thomas, who gained international attention as the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA college title, recently faced a legal setback. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against her, upholding restrictions barring her from competing in women’s swimming events due to regulations concerning transgender athletes and puberty-related criteria.

Thomas, 25, contested these rules, arguing that they were discriminatory and violated principles outlined in the Olympic charter and World Aquatics constitution. Despite her legal efforts, the court upheld the eligibility guidelines, effectively preventing Thomas from participating in upcoming competitions, including the Paris Olympics.

As the controversy surrounding Lia Thomas continues to unfold within the realm of sports regulations, it is crucial to differentiate between factual reporting and satirical content spread on social media platforms.