As Dancing with the Stars marks its 20-year anniversary, the former host, Tom Bergeron, revisited one of the show’s most talked-about moments. And it was all about his interaction with the 11-time Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles. It was an incident that marked her stance in the DWTS season 24, 2017, even though she ended the show in the fourth spot. So, what was the moment that Bergeron couldn’t forget?
Taking to Instagram, Bergeron shared a picture of himself with the ‘Queen of Flips’. The picture was iconic and marked Biles’ stern comeback on her shirt. The white text on her black shirt read, “SMILING DOESN’T WIN GOLD MEDALS.” And while Bergeron’s expression in the photograph marked his shock as he smiled to the camera, Biles simply stared, with no smile on her face.
In the caption, the former DWTS host wrote, “Best Comeback Department: Overall, my live TV tenure had only a few “Foot In Mouth” moments. The most memorable, to me anyway, was my comment to @simonebiles after @carrieanninaba’s supportive words following more negative dance criticism from Len & @brunotonioliofficial.”
He pointed out Biles’ response when he noticed that she wasn’t really smiling when judge Carrie Ann praised her performance. He continued, “(Because what woman doesn’t love it when a dude brings up smiling? 🤦🏻) Simone’s response was instantaneous & brilliant & a few days later, when she showed up wearing this t-shirt, I posed for this sheepish shot by her side.”
Yes, Simone Biles hurled the same words that she wore in the photograph at Tom Bergeron during their previous interaction. But do you know that she was really struggling in the background? And that struggle locked her smile at DWTS.
Have you ever felt judged for not “looking the part”? Simone Biles did — and the reaction from a former Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) host is now stirring up fresh discussion. In recent statements, that former host revisited a controversial moment from DWTS Season 24 involving Biles — one that struck a nerve, then and now. Let’s dig into what happened, how it resonates today, and why “smiling” had more weight than it first seemed.
The Backdrop — Simone Biles on DWTS Season 24
Why Biles Joined DWTS — A Quick Refresher
After conquering Olympic gymnastics stages, Simone Biles chose to step into unfamiliar territory: dancing. In 2017, she joined DWTS for Season 24, testing her mettle in a new discipline. Fans were intrigued, critics were curious, and expectations were high.
The Moment That Sparked a Reaction
What many remember is not a dance move — it’s an expression (or lack thereof). During one DWTS taping, a host made a comment about Biles’ face. She wasn’t smiling, even after a judge delivered praise. That offhand remark went viral later.
“Smiling Doesn’t Win Gold” — The T-Shirt That Spoke Volumes
In response, Biles appeared on TV wearing a black shirt with bold, white letters: “SMILING DOESN’T WIN GOLD MEDALS.” Her stance was immediate, visual, and unforgettable.
A picture was shared by the former DWTS host himself, who later called it a “Best Comeback” moment.
The Former DWTS Host Speaks Out — Revisited Commentary
Tom Bergeron Reflects on That “Foot in Mouth” Moment
Tom Bergeron, DWTS’s long-time host, called out his past misstep as one of his few “foot in mouth” moments. He admitted the comment about Biles not smiling stayed with him.
Was It Just Banter — Or Something More Insidious?
He framed it as banter, but the timing and wording struck a chord. Asking a woman why she’s not smiling, even post-compliment? It’s a loaded statement that many view as gendered.
Taking Accountability — Did Bergeron Do Enough?
In looking back, Bergeron posted the photo of himself and Biles, referencing how she “posed” him sheepishly beside her. The tone was apologetic, but was it sufficient? Many fans believe the public acknowledgment was a step forward — though not a full redress.
Simone’s Struggle — More Than Just a Face on Screen
Tears, Pressure, and the Hidden Reality
Biles later shared how she almost bolted from the stage to cry. She revealed the emotional toll of trying to meet standards — especially ones she never asked to be judged by.
The Weight of Expectations on Female Athletes
Girls and women in the public eye often receive a silent (or overt) command to appear pleasant, always composed, always “on.” Biles’ refusal to indulge a smile became a quiet rebellion — and a message to anyone under the spotlight.
Turning Vulnerability into Strength
Rather than bending to external expectations, she made her stance clear. That T-shirt wasn’t just defiance — it was a reshaping of the narrative: strength isn’t about expressions; it’s about resolve.
Why This Topic Still Matters Today
The Echoes in 2025 — Relevance Resurfaces
Years later, Bergeron revisited that moment publicly — and the issue gains renewed context. The tweet, the post, the photos — they all point to how such moments reverberate.
DWTS, Jordan Chiles & Lessons Learned
Interestingly, Bergeron’s resurgence of that memory came during conversations around Jordan Chiles, another gymnast-turned-DWTS competitor. Some observers interpret it as Bergeron signaling awareness, or perhaps attempting a course correction.
Cultural Conversations — Smiles, Politeness & Gender Norms
This isn’t about Simone Biles alone. It’s about how society expects women to appease with gentility. “Smile more,” “lighten up” — these aren’t innocent comments. They are loaded demands that other people don’t impose on men as strongly.
Lessons We Can Learn
Words Carry Weight — Even in Light Moments
A seemingly casual remark can penetrate far deeper than intended. When you’re on live TV — or posting on social media — your words shift narrative, sometimes in ways you didn’t plan.
The Power of Boundaries
Biles’ silence, her shirt, her posture — all are deliberate boundary setting. You don’t have to explain, appease, or perform on demand. Real strength is owning your space.
Accountability > Excuses
Bergeron’s reflection is a reminder: when you’ve said something problematic, reflection is only half the work. An apology, accountability, and change matter more than just acknowledging mistakes.
Amplify the Voices Affected
Don’t make it about the person who apologized. Center those who were impacted. Let Biles’ and others’ perspectives take spotlight, not the remorse of someone who erred.
What’s Next? The Path Forward
Public Figures Owning Their Mistakes
It’s heartening when public figures revisit past commentary and admit missteps. But real growth demands more than social media posts—it requires ongoing awareness and changes in behavior.
Fans & Media — How to Respect Expression
If your reaction to someone’s face or mood is judgment or consternation, pause. Recognize that humans hold inner stories behind those expressions. As fans, as media, we owe empathy, not demands.
Simone Biles — Continual Impact
Biles doesn’t just flip on bars; she flips public discourse. Her unwillingness to cater to expectations transforms her into more than an athlete—she’s an icon challenging norms.
A Broader Movement — Beyond One Moment
This isn’t just about DWTS or one comment. It’s about how we treat people who refuse to perform for comfort. It’s about dismantling expectations — that women should always be likable, pliable, and photogenic.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ experience on DWTS wasn’t merely a television footnote — it was a mirror into how we demand smiles, calmness, and likability from women in public life. The former DWTS host’s retrospective message may be intended as repair, but the real work lies in shifting expectations altogether.
The true message is simple: you don’t owe anyone a smile. You owe no one a performance of positivity. Biles stood her ground — and that stand echoes far beyond dance floors and judging panels.
