In the midst of the MyKayla Skinner drama, Simone Biles explains why it’s “Important” to stand up for her teammates.

Simone Biles will support her teammates no matter what. Following remarks made by former gymnast MyKayla Skinner regarding the work ethic of modern gymnasts, the Olympic gold winner discussed why it was imperative that she defend the U.S. women’s gymnastics team.

In an interview that was published on Tuesday, August 6, Simone, 27, said to People, “It’s important because you have to teach them to use their voices.” If not, it’s acceptable that you are a voice for the voiceless.

“They’re so young and haven’t fully stood in their power yet, so I just felt like it was right in that moment to stand up for them,” she said. I am aware that it was really meaningful for [my teammates] for someone to speak up.

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In the 2024 Olympic team all-around final, Simone and the other members of Team USA (Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera) took home gold on July 30. In celebration of the accomplishment, the artistic gymnast from Ohio posted team images to Instagram with the comment, “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.”

This statement appeared to be a jab at MyKayla, 27, a former teammate, who said in a since-deleted YouTube video that the “talent and depth” of gymnasts today was not “what it used to be” during the Olympic trials in June, “aside from Simone.”

Obviously, a lot of girls don’t put in as much work. MyKayla went on, “The girls just don’t have the work ethic,” and then she mentioned SafeSport, a group devoted to putting an end to abuse in sports. “In some respects, it’s great that coaches can’t discipline athletes, but in order to advance in gymnastics, you do need to be a little intense and aggressive.”

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Evidently in response to the retired athlete’s remarks, Simone posted on Instagram Threads on July 3, stating, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” The next day, MyKayla issued an apology for her video, saying that her remarks had been “misunderstood” and that she was “proud” of the squad as it was at the time.

Jordan, 23, disclosed that MyKayla had blocked the 11-time Olympian after Simone shared her joyful photo with the sarcastic message. On August 6, MyKayla at last responded to the post with a video, stating that she has been the victim of cyberbullying ever since.

“Unfortunately, things have really gotten out of hand lately. I sincerely hoped that this topic wouldn’t need to be revisited,” MyKayla stated. And although disagreeing with me on something I’ve said or a point I’m trying to make is one thing, it’s quite another when that escalates into cyberbullying or worse. It is repulsive to see people applaud the bullying, which has resulted in threats of physical violence against our daughter, my spouse, and me. I’m just pleading with it to end now for the benefit of my family because I’ve had enough.

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MyKayla continued, saying that Simone’s caption had offended her and that she had requested her directly to assist in stopping the cyberbullying.

“I am genuinely sorry if Simone thinks that I termed our crew incompetent and lazy, and if that’s how she really feels. But more than just heartbroken since it’s not how I feel or even what I said before, the mother of one added that Simone’s most recent post and others that followed it sparked a new surge of hostile emails, DMs, articles, and comments. Death threats against me, my family, and even my agent are examples of hate speech. My friends and family shouldn’t have to be the collateral damage in this situation. Nothing has been done by them.

“Please ask your followers to stop,” she said. Many individuals are currently in need of your assistance, and you have been an amazing advocate for mental health awareness. I’m sure you never intended for us to be attacked in the ways that we have. We should encourage one another during your performance, the team’s performance, and the Olympics in general.

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