Fox News host Jesse Watters recently shared his two cents about a public dispute between Simone Biles and right-wing activist Riley Gaines — and he decided to take a shot at Biles’ mental health in the process.
During a segment of “The Five” on Wednesday night, Watters chided Biles as “mentally weak” in a conversation about the gymnastics star, who recently criticized Gaines for bullying a teenage softball player, who is transgender. Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, shared a picture on X, formerly Twitter, of the teenager posing with her team. Gaines misgendered the young athlete and complained that the comments on the photo were turned off. Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, responded on X by calling Gaines “truly sick” and a “sore loser” — a reference to Gaines tying for fifth place in a 2022 NCAA Division I national championship race against swimmer Lia Thomas, who is transgender. Gaines was among more than a dozen athletes who sued the NCAA in 2024 for Thomas’ inclusion in the national championships.
The Olympic gold medalist said that Gaines should be “uplifting the trans community” and trying to make sports more inclusive. “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male,” Biles wrote in another post. Gaines, for her part, referenced Biles’ sexual abuse case against disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar (who was convicted of sexually abusing female gymnasts) before writing in a post: “Yet [Biles] believes women should be forced to strip naked in front of men to validate the man’s feelings.” Biles, not Gaines, later apologized for getting personal in the online clash.
On “The Five,” Watters mocked Biles for the apology, comparing it to Elon Musk’s recent change of tune after engaging in an explosive online spat with President Donald Trump last week. Watters jeered that he would refrain from criticizing the gymnastics icon too much in the event she decides to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. “I just want to lay back and hope she trains for L.A.,” he said.
“If we start messing with her head, she’s mentally weak — remember the one time she…” he continued, while moving his finger in a circular motion by his head — a common gesture used to criticize someone’s mental state. Biles has become an advocate for mental health awareness after she withdrew from several competitions at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, citing concerns for her mental and physical well-being. The gymnastics star shared that she was struggling with a disorientation issue that gymnasts sometimes experience, known as the “twisties.”
Watters’ dismissal of Biles’ efforts to focus on her mental health is “incredibly damaging,” said Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks, who specializes in trauma and coping skills. “It undermines her strength and courage in addressing these issues,” she said. “Mental health struggles are complex and often invisible, and equating them with weakness perpetuates harmful stereotypes that frankly just aren’t true. This is the type of narrative that prevents people from seeking help.”
In a recent segment on Fox News, Jesse Watters made a controversial remark about Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, sparking widespread criticism. His comment not only disrespected Biles but also highlighted a broader issue of media personalities crossing ethical lines for sensationalism. This article delves into the incident, its implications, and the importance of responsible journalism.
Understanding the Controversy
During a discussion on his show, Watters referred to Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from certain events at the Tokyo Olympics as “unpatriotic.” This statement was met with immediate backlash from fans, fellow athletes, and mental health advocates. Biles had previously cited mental health concerns, specifically experiencing the “twisties,” a condition that causes disorientation during routines, as reasons for her withdrawal.
The Impact on Mental Health Awareness
Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health was a pivotal moment in sports history, encouraging open conversations about the pressures athletes face. Watters’ comment undermines these efforts, potentially deterring other athletes from speaking out about their struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health in sports remains a significant barrier to progress, and such remarks only serve to reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Media’s Role in Shaping Public Perception
The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. When influential figures like Watters make disparaging remarks about athletes, it can influence how the public perceives those athletes and their decisions. Instead of fostering understanding and support, such comments can perpetuate negativity and division.
The Importance of Responsible Journalism
Journalists and media personalities have a responsibility to report news accurately and ethically. Sensationalizing stories or making baseless accusations can damage reputations and mislead the public. In the case of Simone Biles, Watters’ comment not only misrepresented her actions but also disrespected her as an individual and an athlete.
Public Response and Backlash
Following Watters’ remark, there was an outpouring of support for Simone Biles from various quarters. Social media platforms were flooded with messages expressing solidarity and admiration for Biles’ courage. Fellow athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, publicly defended Biles, emphasizing the importance of mental health in sports.
The Broader Implications
This incident is part of a larger pattern where athletes, especially women and people of color, are subjected to undue criticism and scrutiny. It reflects a societal tendency to undermine the voices and experiences of marginalized groups. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort to promote inclusivity and respect in all spheres of life.
Conclusion
Jesse Watters’ comment about Simone Biles was not just a personal attack; it was a reflection of deeper societal issues that need to be addressed. As consumers of media, it’s essential to critically evaluate the information presented to us and support those who advocate for positive change. Simone Biles’ bravery in the face of adversity continues to inspire many, and it’s crucial that we stand by her and others who challenge the status quo.
