It’s a common concern for the vertically challenged: finding clothes that fit. There are certain brands and labels that cater to people whose bodies fall outside what is considered ‘typical’ sizing, but even then, finding a match is not guaranteed. Simone Biles, the 28-year-old Olympic gold medal gymnast, knows a thing or two about the difficulties of finding appropriately sized garments.
Standing 4’8’’, or 1.42 meters, Biles is actually shorter than typical gymnasts. Her most recent fashion experience involves a piece from Khy, the clothing line created by Kylie Jenner. “It’s a crime!” Simone calls out the jacket from Kylie Jenner’s line because it’s too big In a post to Instagram, the gymnast posted a photo of herself in a maroon-colored blazer from Khy. The length is obviously too big, with the hem grazing her knee caps. The sleeves, meanwhile, are nearly as long, with the shoulder seam falling to mid-bicep.
With a defeated look on her face, she snapped a photo and posted the caption “Ms. Kylie Jenner, this is a crime! This is not an XXS/XS”. In a subsequent photo, she posted a photoshopped image of model Gigi Hadid wearing a gigantic Tommy Hilfiger hoodie. ‘This is me on the last slide. SICK,’ the caption read.
When you’re a world-class athlete like Simone Biles, every move you make is under the microscope. But who would’ve thought a simple complaint about a jacket could turn into a viral internet storm? Recently, Simone Biles shared her frustration about a jacket not fitting properly, and instead of sympathy, the internet responded with brutal roasts. The biggest jab? Her petite height—people were quick to quip that she’s “the size of a child.”
So, what actually happened, and why did the internet take this so far? Let’s dive into the story behind the viral roasting of one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Who is Simone Biles?
Simone Biles is not just any athlete. She’s a four-time Olympic gold medalist and widely considered the greatest gymnast in history. Known for her gravity-defying routines and unmatched dominance, she’s an icon both on and off the mat. But despite her legendary status, she’s also known for her petite frame—standing just 4’8” tall. And that detail has often made her the subject of playful jokes online.
The Jacket Complaint That Sparked the Roasts
It all started when Simone Biles posted about struggling with a jacket. She mentioned how frustrating it was that it didn’t fit as expected. While most celebrities might have received empathy, the internet had other plans.
Within hours, memes and comments flooded social media, with users poking fun at her small stature. The phrase that went viral: “Isn’t she the size of a child?”
Why the Internet Reacted This Way
Let’s face it—social media loves exaggeration. Whenever something mildly relatable happens, users spin it into a meme-worthy event. In Simone’s case, her height has always been a talking point. The jacket complaint was simply the spark that reignited the conversation.
The Height Factor: A Running Joke
Simone’s height has always been part of her identity. At just 4’8”, she’s shorter than the average adult woman. For some, this is an endless source of comedy. For others, it’s a reminder that physical stature has no impact on greatness.
Still, when Simone opened the door by mentioning a clothing issue, social media did what it does best—turned it into a global roast.
Examples of Social Media Reactions
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One user wrote: “She’s acting like she didn’t just shop in the kids’ section yesterday.”
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Another quipped: “Isn’t she the size of a child anyway?”
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Memes comparing Simone to toddlers in oversized jackets spread like wildfire.
It was relentless, but also undeniably viral.
The Fine Line Between Humor and Insensitivity
Sure, jokes are part of internet culture, but where do we draw the line? Some fans felt the roasts went too far, bordering on body-shaming. Others argued that Simone herself has a strong sense of humor and can probably handle it.
The truth? Viral moments like this highlight how quickly humor can cross into insensitivity.
Simone Biles’ Response
Interestingly, Simone didn’t seem too fazed. Known for her resilience, she has faced far tougher challenges than online teasing. While she hasn’t directly clapped back at the jacket roasts, her history of handling criticism suggests she won’t let it define her.
Celebrity Struggles with Online Roasting
Simone’s situation isn’t unique. Other celebrities have been roasted online for trivial things—from awkward outfits to random interviews. In the age of social media, no moment is too small to go viral. For Simone, it was a jacket. Tomorrow, it could be something else entirely.
The Power of Virality
Why did this story blow up? Two reasons: relatability and contrast. Everyone knows the frustration of ill-fitting clothes. But when the world’s top gymnast—someone we see as larger than life—complains about it, the irony hits harder. That’s meme fuel at its finest.
Height and Power: The Irony of It All
Here’s the kicker: while people mock Simone for being “the size of a child,” her physical abilities are anything but childlike. She performs stunts that most athletes wouldn’t dare to attempt. In many ways, her small frame is her superpower—it gives her the agility and explosiveness that define her career.
The Psychology of Roasting Celebrities
Roasting often stems from a mix of admiration and envy. Fans look up to Simone, but they also see humor in reminding her that she’s human. The jacket complaint was the perfect opportunity for people to say, “See? Even legends have tiny problems.”
Public Perception: Fans vs. Critics
While critics laughed at her expense, true fans rallied behind her. Many defended Simone, pointing out that online bullies love to hide behind screens. Some even reminded people that mocking her size only highlights her extraordinary achievements.
What We Can Learn from This
This incident teaches us that the internet never sleeps. Small details can spiral into big conversations, especially when they involve celebrities. For Simone, it’s another reminder that her every word can go viral—sometimes in ways she doesn’t expect.
Conclusion
Simone Biles may have been roasted for complaining about a jacket, but let’s not forget: she’s still the greatest gymnast of all time. Her size has never defined her—her talent has. The internet will always find something to joke about, but Simone’s legacy goes far beyond a viral roast.
So, the next time you see her perform a move no one else dares attempt, remember—being “the size of a child” never stopped her from being larger than life.
FAQs
1. Why was Simone Biles roasted about a jacket?
Because she complained about it not fitting, and social media turned it into a joke about her petite height.
2. How tall is Simone Biles?
She’s 4’8”, which is shorter than the average adult woman.
3. Did Simone respond to the jacket roasting?
Not directly, but she’s known for brushing off negativity with resilience.
4. Is body-shaming a common issue for athletes?
Yes, many athletes—especially women—face body-shaming online despite their achievements.
5. What makes Simone Biles so iconic?
Her unmatched gymnastics skills, Olympic medals, and ability to inspire millions worldwide.
