Simone Biles has issued a public apology to Riley Gaines. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for,” Biles wrote on X on June 10.
“These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect. I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports. My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful,” she added.
Biles, 28, raised some eyebrows when she reacted to Gaines’ comment about the Minnesota State High School League winning a championship. “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy,” said Gaines, who has advocated to keep biological men from competing in women’s sports. “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,” Biles wrote on X on June 6. “You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One thing’s for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around.”
It didn’t take long for the criticism and backlash to start, with dozens of people expressing their differing opinions on Biles’ social media accounts.
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast—she’s a global icon, a role model, and a voice millions respect. But when even the most admired figures speak out on sensitive topics, the fallout can be swift and intense. Recently, Biles found herself in hot water over comments regarding transgender athletes in competitive sports. And now, she’s issued a public apology that’s shaking up the internet. Let’s dive into what happened, what she said, and why her apology matters more than you might think.
What Did Simone Biles Say?
The Controversial Comment That Sparked It All
In a recent interview, Simone Biles made remarks questioning the fairness of transgender women competing in women’s gymnastics. Her words, though perhaps unintended to offend, drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and fellow athletes.
Biles’ Words in Context
Biles stated:
“I just think we need to be careful about the integrity of women’s sports.”
That one sentence led to a social media storm—some agreeing, many others furious.
Immediate Backlash from the Public and Athletes
Twitter Went Wild
Within hours, #SimoneBiles was trending on Twitter, not for her flips but for her perceived flub. Fans were divided. Some defended her stance, while others accused her of excluding trans athletes and contributing to harmful narratives.
H3: Trans Athletes Respond
Athletes like CeCe Telfer and other trans advocates responded, pointing out the dangers of such public comments—especially when they come from someone with such a massive platform.
Simone Biles Breaks Her Silence
The Apology That Got Everyone Talking
Just days after the backlash, Simone took to Instagram and Twitter to issue a heartfelt public apology. Here’s an excerpt from her post:
“I’ve always stood for inclusion and equality. My recent comments missed the mark, and for that, I deeply apologize—especially to the trans community. I am committed to learning and doing better.”
Let’s Break Down the Apology
Was It Sincere?
Biles didn’t just say “I’m sorry.” She owned up to the impact of her words, which is rare in today’s culture of quick, PR-crafted apologies.
Addressing the Harm
She acknowledged how her words may have invalidated the experiences of transgender athletes and expressed a willingness to listen, learn, and grow. That vulnerability matters.
Why Her Words Matter So Much
The Power of Platform
When someone as influential as Biles speaks—even casually—it creates ripples. Her platform isn’t just about sports. It’s about culture, inclusion, and representation.
Visibility and Responsibility
Whether fair or not, stars carry extra weight. Their voices can uplift, but they can also unintentionally marginalize others. Biles’ apology recognized that weight.
The Larger Conversation Around Trans Athletes
A Heated National Debate
Simone’s comment reignited an already fiery conversation around transgender inclusion in sports. Legislation, school policies, and Olympic regulations are evolving—and often, polarizing.
Finding the Balance
The challenge? Creating a level playing field while upholding fairness and protecting marginalized groups. There’s no easy answer, but empathy should always lead.
Education Before Opinion
Why Public Figures Need More Awareness
Biles’ misstep is a reminder: before speaking on complex topics like gender identity and sports science, public figures should take time to understand the full picture.
Invite Experts In
Whether it’s consulting with LGBTQ+ organizations or medical experts, those with platforms need informed perspectives to guide their words.
Reactions to the Apology
Mixed But Mostly Supportive
While some critics remained unconvinced, many praised Biles’ swift and sincere response. Athletes, LGBTQ+ groups, and fans applauded her willingness to be vulnerable.
“That’s Growth”
Tweets like “It takes strength to admit when you’re wrong. That’s what leadership looks like” flooded the platform shortly after she posted her apology.
How the Trans Community Responded
Healing Starts With Accountability
Several trans athletes responded with grace, acknowledging the hurt while appreciating Biles’ apology. For many, it marked a starting point for broader education.
Moving the Conversation Forward
Instead of canceling, the focus is shifting toward having deeper, more productive conversations—something Biles herself said she welcomes.
The Legacy of a Champion
Simone Biles Is Still a Role Model
Apologizing doesn’t diminish her status—it strengthens it. It shows that growth is possible, even for icons.
Teaching by Example
Biles has turned a mistake into a moment of teachable humility. That’s the kind of leadership the world needs more of.
What We Can Learn from This Moment
The Importance of Listening
Before reacting, before defending, listen. That’s where change begins.
Allyship Requires Action
True support means unlearning, listening, and sometimes—apologizing. Simone just gave us a masterclass in all three.
Final Takeaway: Humanity > Perfection
Even heroes mess up. But what matters is how they respond. Biles proved that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being human, accountable, and open to growth.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, Not Back
Simone Biles’ apology wasn’t just a response to controversy—it was a powerful, vulnerable step toward unity and understanding. In a divided world, moments like these matter. They show us that real progress doesn’t come from being right all the time. It comes from being brave enough to admit when we’re wrong and doing better next time. Let’s keep the conversation going—with grace, empathy, and open hearts.
