Andy Cohen and pal Meghan McCain lock horns over ‘reductive’ conversation on trans athletes in sports

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A once-friendly rapport between talk show hosts Andy Cohen and Meghan McCain appears to be on the rocks after a heated exchange on X over one of the most controversial political topics in America today- transgender women in sports.

The online spat erupted on the morning of March 4, Tuesday, when McCain, a Republican who has been openly critical of Donald Trump, weighed in on a post from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Daily Beast reported.

Meghan McCain's tweet on trans athletes and Andy Cohen's response

Karoline Leavitt's tweet centered on Payton McNabb, a 19-year-old who claims to have suffered a traumatic brain injury after a transgender woman spiked a volleyball into her face during a high school match.

McNabb was set to be a guest of honor at Trump’s address to Congress.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting Payton—she is incredibly smart, strong and brave. Both she and her family have been through the unthinkable,” wrote McCain, the daughter of the late Republican Sen John McCain.

“Democrats defending young women suffering from traumatic brain injuries as a result of trans athletes is why they will continue losing every election," she added.

Cohen, known for his lively, often light-hearted celebrity interviews on 'Watch What Happens Live', was quick to respond, appearing to take issue with McCain’s tweet.

“Surprised you’re buying into the vilification of the trans community given the real problems happening in this country, your previous ally-ship of the LGBTQ community, and the fact that this non-issue affects about four people in this country,” Cohen shot back.

Meghan McCain challenges Andy Cohen to trans athlete debate

Andy Cohen, who is reportedly gay, has not publicly declared any party affiliation, though he has endorsed both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in past elections while also being a vocal critic of Donald Trump.

His response suggested frustration with McCain’s stance, particularly given her history of advocating for LGBTQ rights.

McCain wasted no time in countering Cohen’s remarks, escalating the tension between them.

“Surprised you’re okay with violence against female athletes. Peyton suffered serious brain damage—just one story,” she wrote.

“You have my cell, always happy to talk privately or publicly on either of our shows because these conversations are reductive to hash out on social media," she added.

Whether Cohen accepted McCain’s offer to take the discussion offline remains unknown.

However, their clash reflects the broader national debate that has become a major talking point in Trump’s political resurgence.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken decisive executive action to prohibit trans women from competing in women’s sports.

Just last month, the NCAA followed suit, instituting a ban that aligns with his stance.