Simone Biles Issues Public Apology Following Comments on Trans Athletes

The Olympic gold medalist has spoken out after her previous statement caused major controversy.

June 10, 2025

Loic Venance / AFP

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.

Biles decided to weigh in.

"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.

Following her public apology, Biles received mixed reactions.