In a controversy that has shaken both the gymnastics world and broader conversations on women’s sports, Olympic silver medalist MyKayla Skinner has publicly criticized gymnastics icon Simone Biles—not just for her recent comments about transgender athletes but for what Skinner describes as a pattern of personal disrespect throughout their careers.

The explosive remarks were made following a volatile online exchange between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer known for her outspoken views on transgender participation in women’s sports. Skinner’s statement has reignited debate over fairness, freedom of speech, and the role of celebrity influence in shaping public discourse.

Gaines and the Minnesota Softball Controversy

The spark for this new round of national discussion came when Riley Gaines responded to a high school softball championship in Minnesota, where a transgender athlete played for the winning team. In a sharply worded social media post, Gaines commented, “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.”

The backlash was immediate. Supporters saw Gaines’s comment as a principled defense of biological competition in women’s sports. Critics accused her of intolerance and harmful rhetoric. This is not new ground for Gaines—she has been at the center of national headlines since tying with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in a 2022 NCAA competition and using the platform to speak out against trans inclusion in women’s divisions.

Biles Claps Back—Then Apologizes

Simone Biles entered the fray shortly afterward with a now-deleted series of posts aimed directly at Gaines. In them, Biles reportedly called Gaines “a sore loser” and “truly sick,” suggesting that her activism was born from bitterness over past results. Biles’s comments were quickly criticized for being overly personal, with some accusing her of body-shaming and bullying.

In response to mounting criticism, Biles issued a rare public apology:

“I let my emotions speak first. I shouldn’t have made it personal. We need more respect, even in disagreement.”

She then deactivated her account on the platform, though remains active on others.

Skinner’s Strong Words

It was in the wake of Biles’s clash with Gaines that MyKayla Skinner made headlines with a deeply personal statement. In a television interview and subsequent conservative media appearances, Skinner accused Biles of long-standing disrespect—both in private and public spheres.

“Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone,” Skinner said. “The pressure to stay silent was immense. But seeing her bully another woman into silence pushed me to speak out.”

Skinner added that she supports Gaines’s position on preserving fairness in women’s sports, calling her “a brave voice.” She criticized Biles for using her platform not to unify or protect female athletes but to publicly undermine those with opposing views.

A History of Tension

The bad blood between Biles and Skinner didn’t start with this latest controversy. In 2024, Skinner openly questioned the preparation and team dynamics of the U.S. gymnastics squad. While she didn’t name Biles specifically, the implication was clear. Biles responded cryptically online, suggesting that “not everyone deserves a platform.”

The online tit-for-tat escalated quickly, culminating in Skinner blocking Biles—a move that hinted at deeper issues simmering beneath the surface of Olympic team unity.

Now, Skinner claims her recent remarks are not about petty rivalry but about “calling out a culture of silence and intimidation.” She believes that voices like Gaines’s—and her own—should be protected, not vilified, when they express dissenting views.

Public Reaction

Reactions to Skinner’s comments have been predictably split. On one side, conservatives and traditionalists in sports have praised her for standing up against what they see as celebrity-driven censorship. On the other, critics argue that Skinner is leveraging controversy for personal gain, and that her statements distract from the real issues facing trans athletes and inclusive sports policy.

Former gymnasts and coaches have also weighed in. Some back Skinner’s allegations, saying that Biles’s influence sometimes cast an intimidating shadow over teammates. Others insist Biles has been a generous leader who has supported countless gymnasts, both publicly and behind the scenes.

Gaines Responds

Riley Gaines welcomed Skinner’s support with gratitude, saying in an interview:

“It’s not about tearing anyone down. It’s about standing for fairness. MyKayla knows what it means to fight quietly, and now loudly, for what’s right.”

Interestingly, Gaines even expressed openness to dialogue with Biles. “If Simone ever wants to talk, really talk—I’m here. That’s how real change starts.”

More Than Just a Spat

While the media cycle may label this as a feud among athletes, the underlying issues run far deeper. At stake are profound questions about how society defines womanhood, who gets to speak out without being silenced, and how sports can remain both inclusive and competitive.

What’s unique in this moment is the collision of three prominent women: Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history; Skinner, an Olympic medalist who once stood in her shadow; and Gaines, an emerging voice in conservative sports advocacy. Each brings different experiences, passions, and values to a topic that refuses to fade quietly into the background.

As of now, Simone Biles has not publicly responded to Skinner’s recent accusations. But the pressure for her to do so is growing—and whatever her next move is, it may once again shape the trajectory of a conversation that’s quickly becoming one of the defining cultural debates in sports today.