Megan Rapinoe says an AI screening tool labeled her a corporate "risk" and cost her a major World Cup ad campaign. The two-time Women's World Cup champion and US women's soccer team icon wrote an op-ed for Marie Claire discussing the incident.
In it, she shared that a brand's AI software flagged her support for transgender rights. She was subsequently pulled from their commercial days before shooting was scheduled to begin.
AI Risk Assessment Drops US Women's Soccer Legend From World Cup Ad
Rapinoe's vocal advocacy for trans inclusion in women's soccer triggered the automated system, and the brand walked away without explanation.
"Anti-inclusion politicians have made the conversation around trans athletes in sports so muddied and full of false fear-mongering that brands lacking moral clarity are running from mere association," Rapinoe wrote.
Still, the former US women's soccer team captain tied the issue to a broader pattern.
Megan Rapinoe Calls Out Policymakers Over Trans Inclusion in Women’s Sports
She pointed to a proposed Washington ballot measure that could require girls to undergo medical certification, and potentially genital exams, to play school sports. According to Rapinoe, policies targeting trans women in sports ultimately harm all women and girls in athletics.
Despite losing the brand deal, Rapinoe said she would keep fighting for equal pay, human rights, and full athletic inclusion.
"To all my trans family, I'm with you forever and always," she posted to Threads.
