Right-wing activist Riley Gaines has leveled a new attack on Simone Biles — and it was quite the “unnecessary jab,” one expert who specializes in trauma and coping skills said. On Sunday, Gaines retweeted a screenshot of Biles’ personal account on X, formerly Twitter, that showed it was no longer active. The former collegiate swimmer jumped on the new development to mock Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, and suggest that she must’ve deactivated her account due to their online dispute earlier this month.
Gaines wrote that Biles had an “incredibly unpopular and morally indefensible take,” and got “rightfully ridiculed for it.” She then boasted that Biles had apologized after receiving “unrelenting backlash” and claimed that the gold medal winner shut down her X account “to pretend it never happened.” “Sad to see such a phenom go down like this,” Gaines wrote in the post.
Biles’ other social media accounts remain active, and she has not released a public statement about why her X account appears to have been deactivated as of Monday. The gymnast’s representatives did not immediately return HuffPost’s request for comment.
Gaines and Biles previously engaged in a back-and-forth on X after Biles criticized the right-wing activist for publicly bullying a teenage softball player who is transgender. The gymnastics star told Gaines at the time that she should instead 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 the gymnast’s sexual abuse case against disgraced sports doctor and convicted sex offender Larry Nassar. “All the horrific sexual abuse [Biles] witnessed and spoke out against caused by one man, yet believes women should be forced to strip naked in front of men to validate the man’s feelings,” Gaines wrote. “You know how many gold medals you’d have if your ‘inclusive’ dream came true? Zero.”
Biles has since apologized for getting personal in her online clash with Gaines, who has not issued a public apology. The Olympian has since received a wave of right-wing attacks on social media and from prominent conservative pundits. Fox News host Jesse Watters shared his two cents about the dispute and called Biles “mentally weak” in a segment on “The Five” — a dig referencing her publicly discussing challenges she’s had with her mental and physical well-being.
When Greatness Meets Criticism
Simone Biles, the world-renowned gymnast often called the “GOAT” of her sport, has once again found herself at the center of a political firestorm. Recently, a right-wing activist launched a new attack on her, calling her out in what many are labeling as nothing more than an “unnecessary jab.” But why is Biles — an athlete who has repeatedly elevated the sport of gymnastics and inspired millions — becoming a target for political voices? Let’s break it down.
Who Is Simone Biles And Why She’s A Global Icon
Before diving into the controversy, let’s remind ourselves who Simone Biles is.
-
4-time Olympic gold medalist
-
Most decorated gymnast in history
-
Mental health advocate
-
Role model for young athletes worldwide
Biles represents excellence, resilience, and authenticity. And perhaps, that’s exactly why she’s in the spotlight — not just for her victories, but also for daring to be human in a world that often expects athletes to be superhuman.
The Latest Attack: What Was Said?
The recent attack came from a right-wing activist who criticized Biles in a public statement. The activist suggested that Biles didn’t deserve the level of admiration she receives, claiming her influence is “overblown.”
That kind of remark? It wasn’t constructive criticism. It was an unnecessary jab.
Why Right-Wing Activists Keep Targeting Athletes
So, why do activists on the political right often go after athletes like Biles?
-
Visibility – Athletes have massive platforms, so attacking them grabs attention.
-
Cultural Wars – Sports figures often symbolize broader social issues, from race to mental health.
-
Deflection – Criticizing public figures can distract from political failures or controversies.
In Biles’ case, her openness about mental health and her identity as a Black woman in sports makes her a lightning rod for political debate.
The Double Standard In Sports Criticism
Let’s be honest: not every athlete gets the same treatment.
-
Male athletes who withdraw for health reasons are often praised for being “strategic.”
-
Female athletes, especially women of color, are sometimes branded as “weak” or “entitled.”
This double standard is glaring in Biles’ case. Her honesty about mental health during the Tokyo Olympics was revolutionary — but it also invited unfair backlash.
Simone Biles And The Mental Health Movement
Biles made headlines in 2021 when she prioritized her mental health over competing in several Olympic events. While some cheered her bravery, others — including right-wing voices — accused her of “quitting.”
But here’s the truth: she didn’t quit. She redefined strength by showing that stepping back can sometimes be the boldest move.
Why This Jab Is Called ‘Unnecessary’
The latest attack isn’t rooted in facts or sports analysis. It’s rooted in politics.
Calling it unnecessary makes sense because:
-
It added nothing new to the conversation.
-
It targeted Biles personally, not professionally.
-
It seemed more about stirring outrage than genuine critique.
The Politics Of Undermining Greatness
When an activist dismisses someone like Biles, it’s rarely just about her routines or medals. It’s about:
-
Undermining cultural figures who represent progress.
-
Fueling division by pitting sports against politics.
-
Controlling the narrative around success and identity.
Public Reaction: Support Overpowers Hate
The backlash against the activist was swift. Fans, athletes, and commentators rushed to defend Biles, emphasizing her impact not just in gymnastics, but in society at large.
The internet reminded everyone of this: Biles doesn’t need validation from political pundits. Her medals, advocacy, and influence speak louder than any jab.
Social Media’s Role In Amplifying The Drama
Social media acted like gasoline on the fire. Within hours:
-
Hashtags supporting Biles trended.
-
Activist’s comments were dissected across platforms.
-
Memes and posts flipped the narrative back in Biles’ favor.
In today’s world, one unnecessary jab can spiral into a national debate.
Athletes As Symbols Of Resistance
Simone Biles isn’t just an athlete. She’s a cultural figure.
-
She represents resilience in the face of trauma.
-
She symbolizes the growing conversation about mental health.
-
She stands as proof that women of color can dominate traditionally white-dominated spaces.
And that makes her a target — but also a hero.
Why Critics Underestimate Simone Biles
Critics often forget that Biles has been through more than just athletic pressure. From surviving abuse within U.S. gymnastics to carrying the weight of an entire nation’s expectations, her story is one of survival and triumph.
That resilience makes every attack look petty in comparison.
The Unstoppable Legacy Of Simone Biles
Here’s the thing: no matter what critics say, Biles’ legacy is unshakable.
-
She has moves literally named after her.
-
She inspired athletes to prioritize mental and emotional well-being.
-
She continues to dominate competitions even after stepping away.
Attacks can’t erase that kind of impact.
The Bigger Picture: Sports, Politics, And Culture Wars
The attack on Simone Biles is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Athletes today are no longer just athletes — they’re influencers, advocates, and symbols in cultural debates.
When politics seeps into sports, athletes like Biles often become pawns in battles that have little to do with athletic performance.
Learning From This Controversy
Instead of tearing down athletes, what if we listened? Biles teaches us that greatness isn’t just about medals — it’s about courage, honesty, and authenticity. That’s a lesson worth amplifying.
Conclusion: A Jab That Missed The Mark
The right-wing activist’s jab at Simone Biles wasn’t just unnecessary — it was irrelevant. Because here’s the truth: Simone Biles doesn’t need validation from political voices. Her achievements, advocacy, and resilience speak volumes louder than any insult. In the end, every attack only strengthens her legacy. And maybe that’s what frustrates her critics the most.
