U.S. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, who has 1.9 million Twitter/X followers, has seemingly deleted her profile following the intense transgender feud against OutKick’s Riley Gaines, host of “Gaines for Girls.” Twitter/X users started sharing screenshots Sunday of Biles’ account leading to an error message, and this is how word got around that she may have nuked the account entirely.
The beef sparked up after Biles came at Gaines for wanting to keep transgender (biological male) athletes out of female sports. “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!!!!!” Biles said.
This led to even more personal attacks from Biles, including comparing Gaines to a man. But we all know the story: Biles ended up backtracking on her transgender support and issuing an apology to Gaines, giving the conservative activist the victory in their beef. But it appears that none of Biles’ public relations moves have worked, and that has resulted in her now deleting her Twitter account. Riley Gaines issued the following response on the matter:
A Storm Brews on Social Media
Simone Biles—Olympic icon, gymnastics legend, and role model to millions—just did something that has left fans stunned: she appears to have deleted her Twitter (X) account. Why? The center of the storm seems to revolve around a heated online exchange with former collegiate swimmer and outspoken activist, Riley Gaines, concerning transgender athletes in women’s sports.
This unexpected move has ignited a firestorm of reactions across the internet, touching on hot-button issues of identity, inclusion, fairness, and freedom of speech. Let’s unpack the full story and what led to this viral moment.
The Trigger: A Comment That Sparked the Debate
Biles Speaks Out on Inclusion
Simone Biles recently reposted or liked content that many interpreted as supportive of transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. While she didn’t issue a full-blown statement initially, her subtle endorsement quickly got noticed.
Gaines Responds Publicly
Riley Gaines, who has become a vocal critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports, swiftly reacted. In a series of tweets, Gaines accused Biles of ignoring the “biological advantages” transgender women have, calling her stance “disappointing and damaging.”
The Online Backlash Begins
Divided Reactions
As soon as the interaction between Biles and Gaines made headlines, social media erupted. Some praised Biles for being inclusive, while others criticized her for, in their words, “abandoning biological women.”
Hashtag Wars
Twitter (now X) became the battlefield. Hashtags like #StandWithBiles, #ProtectWomenSports, and #CancelSimoneBiles began trending almost simultaneously.
Simone Biles Deletes Twitter: Accident or Statement?
Digital Silence
Amid the backlash, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Biles’ Twitter account vanished. Searches returned “This account doesn’t exist.” Was it hacked? Deleted? Or was this her way of stepping away from the chaos?
Why Deleting Twitter Matters
For a public figure like Simone Biles, deleting a platform with millions of followers is no small thing. It’s a signal—whether intentional or not—that she’s overwhelmed, disengaging, or making a point.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
The Role of Public Figures in Social Debate
Athletes today are more than competitors—they’re influencers, activists, and role models. When someone like Biles speaks (or tweets), it carries weight. That’s why this incident matters.
The Pressure of Public Opinion
Being famous in 2025 means being under a microscope 24/7. One misinterpreted tweet or like can spark a digital wildfire—and that’s exactly what happened here.
The Transgender Sports Debate: A Hot Topic
What’s at Stake?
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports isn’t new. It’s about fairness, inclusion, and redefining competitive boundaries in a modern world.
Riley Gaines’ Position
Gaines argues that biological men should not compete in women’s categories due to physiological advantages. She’s rallied under the banner of protecting women’s sports.
Simone’s Implied Stance
While Biles hasn’t issued a lengthy manifesto, her online activity shows she likely supports inclusion—something that aligns with many progressive viewpoints.
The Power of Social Media in Modern Controversies
When a Like Means War
On social media, even a simple “like” can be taken as a political stance. Biles didn’t even tweet original commentary—yet it led to headlines, anger, and her online disappearance.
Cancel Culture at Play
Some say Biles is being “canceled” for supporting trans rights. Others believe she’s avoiding accountability for an unpopular opinion. Either way, cancel culture played a role in this story.
The Fallout for Simone Biles
Fan Reaction
Her fanbase is now split. Some admire her courage to take a stand. Others feel betrayed by her perceived stance. The gymnastics community, usually tight-knit and supportive, seems uncertain.
Will This Affect Her Career?
Probably not long-term—but in the short term, Biles might face media scrutiny and sponsorship questions. Brands hate controversy, especially when it involves divisive political topics.
Media’s Role in Amplifying the Drama
Clickbait Headlines Fuel the Fire
Mainstream outlets and blogs picked up the story fast, often using sensationalist language. This only made the drama grow bigger and faster.
Journalistic Responsibility?
Some critics argue that the media misrepresented Biles’ intentions. It’s another reminder that public figures need to be ultra-careful online.
The Emotional Toll on Public Figures
Mental Health in the Spotlight
Biles has previously spoken about mental health struggles, especially during the Tokyo Olympics. The current wave of criticism could be emotionally draining—perhaps that’s why she deleted Twitter.
A Needed Break or a Silent Protest?
Deleting the app might just be Biles protecting her peace. Or it could be her way of saying she won’t be dragged into public opinion wars. Either way, it’s a powerful move.
The Digital Repercussions
Will She Come Back?
Time will tell if Simone returns to Twitter/X. Often, celebrities reappear quietly after things calm down. But sometimes, a break becomes permanent.
Lessons for Other Influencers
This situation is a masterclass in how not to engage—or how to quietly make a point—depending on how you view it. Either way, it’s a cautionary tale.
A Culture Divided
Wider Cultural Implications
This controversy mirrors the cultural divide in today’s society—between tradition and progress, biology and identity, freedom of speech and political correctness.
People Want Answers
Everyone’s asking: Where does Biles really stand? What did she mean? Why did she delete Twitter? The truth is, she might never clarify—and that silence might be louder than words.
Final Thoughts
Simone Biles’ apparent Twitter disappearance didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was the result of digital tension, public expectation, and a lightning rod topic that continues to polarize the world. Whether you agree with her stance or not, one thing’s clear: in 2025, athletes are more than just performers—they’re cultural figures, and every move they make sends ripples across the internet.
