Simone Biles has defended her decision to challenge MyKayla Skinner at the Olympics, saying her actions show her U.S. teammates how to use their voices.
Biles was talking to People on Tuesdayapparently moments before Skinner took to social media to say she had received death threats in the wake of Biles’ comments and asked the gymnast to tell online trolls to stop attacking her.
Biles appeared to take aim at Skinner after the United States won gold in the team final last week, posting a photo of her group with the caption: “Lack of talent, lazy Olympic champions,” a reference to Skinner’s criticism before the Games began about the team’s dedication.
“It’s important because you have to teach them how to use their voice,” Biles said. “And if they don’t, you’re the voice for those who don’t have one, which is fine.”
‘I felt it was the right time to defend them, because they are very young and have not yet fully demonstrated their power.
Simone Biles said calling out MyKayla Skinner was “right on cue” at the Olympics
Skinner has since asked Biles to tell online trolls to stop after receiving death threats.
“For someone to stand up, I know it meant a lot to my teammates.”
On Tuesday, Skinner was emotional and shared a four-minute video on Instagram explaining the impact of Biles’ comments on her.
“I had sincerely hoped that this would not be necessary to be addressed again, but unfortunately things have gotten out of hand lately,” Skinner said. “So, Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly to put an end to this.”
“I’m here because four weeks ago I made a comment about work ethic and what seems to be happening with the new generation,” Skinner said at the top of his Instagram video.
“To be perfectly clear, I 100 percent accept the fact that I misspoke the point I was trying to make,” she continued. “The last thing I wanted to do was cause harm or offend our U.S. Olympic team.
“I know these women are amazing, the best of the best. And almost all of them are former teammates of mine, who I’ve really enjoyed cheering on over the years.”
“I posted a video apology on Instagram and then sent a written apology and individual messages to each of the women on the team,” Skinner said. “Only Simone responded and told me she was proud of me.
‘You can imagine my surprise last week when I was celebrating our team’s gold medal win, and saw all of this reappear in the caption of an Instagram post.
Simone Biles captioned her celebratory post with a veiled photo of a former Team USA member.
Simone Biles (left), Jordan Chiles (center), Jade Carey (second left), Sunisa Lee (second right) and Healy Rivera
‘If Simone truly believes I called our team lazy and lacking talent and that’s how she truly feels, it breaks my heart.
‘But I’m not just heartbroken that this isn’t how I feel… I’m heartbroken that Simone’s latest post (on social media) and others that followed fueled another wave of hateful comments, direct messages, articles and emails; hate that includes death threats against me, my family and even my agent.
‘My family and friends don’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire. They haven’t done anything.
“So, Simone, I ask you directly and publicly to stop this,” she concluded. “Please ask your followers to stop.”
Biles has yet to respond to Skinner since her Instagram video was posted.
Following Biles’ Instagram post, the gymnast also revealed that Skinner had blocked her as well.
The 27-year-old won three Olympic golds and a silver medal in Paris, cementing her place as the most successful American gymnast of all time.
