BREAKING: Andy Murray announces his refusal to celebrate Pride Month in June — he says “WOKE” doesn’t deserve to be commemorated, citing…

In a stunning and polarizing announcement that has reverberated across the sports world and beyond, tennis champion Andy Murray has declared that he will not be participating in or celebrating Pride Month this June. The 3-time Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 made his stance clear during a candid press conference in London, sending shockwaves through fans, fellow athletes, and LGBTQ+ rights advocates globally.

Murray, known for his usually diplomatic tone, took an unusually blunt approach, stating, “I will not be taking part in any activities related to Pride Month. I believe the whole ‘woke’ movement has lost touch with reality and no longer represents the values it once claimed to stand for.” His comment triggered an immediate firestorm online, with reactions flooding in from all sides of the cultural spectrum.

Asked to elaborate, Murray continued, “I’ve always supported basic human rights and treating everyone with respect — that hasn’t changed. But what’s going on now is not just about love or equality. It’s become ideological. It’s about forcing people to agree with ideas that they might not believe in, and punishing them if they don’t conform. That’s not freedom. That’s not inclusion. That’s coercion.”

The Scottish tennis star clarified that his statement wasn’t an attack on individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, but rather a protest against what he sees as the politicization and performative nature of many Pride Month events. “You can support people’s rights without waving a rainbow flag every June just to be seen. When corporations change their logos for a month and then do nothing to support actual causes the rest of the year — that’s not activism, that’s branding,” he said.

Murray’s remarks have quickly divided public opinion. Supporters praised him for what they see as courage in speaking out against societal pressure and virtue signaling, while critics accused him of aligning himself with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric at a time when visibility and support remain crucial for marginalized communities.

“Andy Murray has always been a hero of mine, but this feels like a betrayal,” tweeted one fan. “He says he supports equality, but how can you refuse to acknowledge a month dedicated to it?” Others defended him, with another comment reading, “He’s right. Pride Month has become more about politics and less about genuine human rights. Let people think freely.”

Prominent figures in the tennis world have also weighed in. Billie Jean King, a pioneer for both women’s and LGBTQ+ rights in tennis, issued a carefully worded statement: “I believe in dialogue, not division. While I disagree with Andy’s approach, I hope this becomes an opportunity for meaningful conversation rather than outrage.” Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic declined to comment directly but emphasized “every individual is entitled to their personal beliefs.”

Organizations tied to tennis, including the ATP and the Lawn Tennis Association, have so far remained silent. However, several sponsors associated with Murray are reportedly “reviewing the situation closely,” raising questions about potential repercussions for his public stance.

Adding to the controversy, Murray doubled down during a follow-up interview, referencing recent controversies in education, sports, and social media. “When girls are afraid to speak up about fairness in sports or when someone gets canceled for asking questions, that’s not progress. That’s silencing dissent in the name of tolerance.”

When asked what he would say to young LGBTQ+ fans who may be hurt by his words, Murray replied, “I would say — you matter, your life matters. But everyone has a right to speak honestly without being labeled hateful. We’ve got to get back to a place where we can disagree and still respect each other.”

Whether Murray’s comments were a moment of courage or a costly miscalculation remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the tennis icon has opened a door into a broader cultural conversation — one that is already proving as divisive as it is passionate. Pride Month, once a near-universal celebration within sports organizations, now faces a high-profile challenge from within one of the sport’s most decorated figures.

For now, the tennis world and its fans are left to grapple with the implications. Andy Murray may have made his stance known, but the debate he’s ignited is only just beginning.