"Cringe worthy" - Martina Navratilova calls out Annette Bening’s statement about transgender parenting during United States v. Skrmetti protest

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova recently expressed her disapproval of American actress Annette Bening's statement that having a transgender child makes one "interesting." Bening made this comment while speaking in front of the Supreme Court during a protest in support of transgender youth, as the court heard arguments in the landmark case United States v. Skrmetti.

On December 4, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, a case challenging a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors under 18. The law restricts the use of puberty blockers and hormones for gender dysphoria, though it permits these treatments for other medical conditions.

During the protest outside the Supreme Court, Annette Bening spoke passionately about her experience as the mother of a transgender teen. The 66-year-old described having a transgender child as the greatest gift of her life, stating that it has made her more interesting and wise. Bening's oldest son, Stephen Ira, is transgender, and the actress has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights.

"I think the greatest gift of my life is to have kids and to have a transgender child has made me so much more interesting, so much more wise," the 66-year-old said.

Navratilova, known for her advocacy of women's rights and her stance on transgender exclusion from women's sports, found Bening's statement "cringeworthy."

"A rather Cringe worthy quote…" Navratilova wrote on X.

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Martina Navratilova sets the record straight following 'anti-trans' allegations

Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova faced allegations of being 'anti-trans,' but she defended herself by stating that she is pro-women.

The controversy arose after an Isle of Wight incident where Kelsea Broadfoot, 53, was found intoxicated and carrying a bladed item in public. An X user referred to Broadfoot as a "man" and accused authorities of mislabeling her as a woman. Navratilova reshared the post, stating:

"Exactly what I said years ago- all of a sudden we will see a spike in "women's" crime. When it’s males doing them still."

In response to her post, an X user accused the tennis legend of being "anti-trans." The 18-time Grand Slam champion then reiterated her support for women’s rights, writing:

"You said I was anti trans. I am not anti trans- I am pro women. Pro women sex based spaces. That is not anti anything."

In an October 2024 episode of 'Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt,' Martina Navratilova stressed the need for sex-based categories in sports, highlighting that while gender identity matters in daily life, biological differences should guide athletic competition.