Anytime USA gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles makes a public appearance, it’s a pretty big deal. The 28-year-old Biles, who won three gold medals (all-around, team event, vault) and one silver (floor exercise) at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is the most-decorated gymnast of all-time (11 Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals) and one of the biggest sports stars in the world.
Simone Biles is no stranger to the spotlight. From Olympic gold medals to speaking out on mental health, she’s captivated the world for all the right reasons. But recently, the headlines took a twist. Her appearance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby wasn’t about tumbling perfection — it was about an off-beat moment that had fans either cheering or cringing. So, what really went down? Let’s break it all down with style, sass, and a little SEO magic.
So when Biles and her husband, Chicago bears safety Jonathan Owens, made an appearance at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, the couple immediately started trending on social media. Many fans were complimentary of Biles’ Derby outfit—a strapless lavender dress that cinched at the waist along with a matching lavender hat with a giant feather on top—and the coordination with Owens, who wore a matching lavender jacket and hat along with a white shirt and cream colored pants. However, where Biles received some criticism was on her delivery of the race’s traditional “riders up” call, which signals the jockeys to get on their horses.
The Kentucky Derby – A Place for Fashion, Fame, and… Fails?
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just about horse racing. It’s the Met Gala of the South — hats, high heels, and high society collide. Celebs show up in their Sunday best, and fans watch for more than just who wins the race. So naturally, when Simone Biles showed up, all eyes were on her.
Simone Biles’ Derby Look – A Showstopper or a Head-Scratcher?
Breaking Down the Outfit
She rocked a floral ensemble with sky-high heels and a feathered hat that screamed, “I’m here to be seen.” And seen she was.
But what sparked the controversy wasn’t just the outfit.
The “Cringey” Behavior That Got Everyone Talking
What Did Simone Do?
At one point, Biles danced spontaneously during a live broadcast. It wasn’t a choreographed move — it was a spur-of-the-moment shimmy while sipping a mint julep. Some fans loved the spontaneity, calling it “authentic” and “fun.” Others? Not so much.
They labeled it “cringey,” “awkward,” and “out of place.”
Was It Really That Bad?
Honestly? It depends who you ask. While some viewers thought she broke the elegant Derby vibe, others applauded her for not being a cookie-cutter celeb.
Social Media Reacts – Divided but Engaged
Twitter in Flames
Twitter had a field day. One user tweeted, “I love Simone Biles, but what was that dance?” Another clapped back, “Let her live! She’s just having fun!”
TikTok Replays and Reaction Videos
TikTok users quickly turned the moment into memes and dance challenges. The hashtag #SimoneAtTheDerby trended for hours.
The Fine Line Between Fun and Faux Pas
So, where’s the line? Is a light-hearted dance in poor taste at a formal event? Or is the Derby due for a personality refresh?
Why This Moment Feels Bigger Than It Is
Simone’s Derby moment became more than just a headline — it became a conversation starter. It tapped into deeper issues:
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How do we expect female athletes to behave in public?
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Is there a double standard at play?
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Are we too quick to label something “cringey”?
Celebrity Culture and the Double Standard
The Burden of Being “Perfect”
Let’s face it. If a male athlete had done a goofy dance, people might’ve called it “charming” or “relatable.” With Biles? The word “cringe” came fast and furious.
Simone’s History of Breaking the Mold
This isn’t the first time she’s shattered expectations. From stepping back at the Tokyo Olympics to openly discussing therapy, she’s always chosen authenticity over applause.
Public Figures and Personal Freedom
Does being in the spotlight mean giving up your right to just be human? Simone’s Derby moment may not have been “on brand” for the event — but maybe that’s exactly why it mattered.
The Power of Going Viral – Good, Bad, or Both?
Virality = Visibility
No matter how you slice it, going viral keeps you relevant. Simone wasn’t the only celeb at the Derby, but she was the one everyone talked about. And in today’s digital world, that’s half the game.
Negative Buzz Still Means Buzz
“Cringey” or not, Simone won the attention race — and in PR, that’s worth its weight in gold.
What Can We Learn From This?
The Internet Is a Harsh Judge
Social media is a double-edged sword. It can build you up — and tear you down — within minutes.
Conclusion – Simone Biles Just Reminded Us She’s Human
At the end of the day, Simone Biles danced at the Derby, and the world had opinions. Some cringed. Some cheered. But everyone paid attention.
And maybe, that’s exactly what she intended.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment,” Biles stated before leaning forward and saying “riders up” and blowing a kiss to the crowd. Some fans on social media praised Biles for the job she did, crediting her for showing passion during her performance, others didn’t think so favorably of Biles’ delivery, calling it “cringey” and “ridiculous.”
