MyKayla Skinner is making a heartfelt plea to Simone Biles to “put a stop” to the cyberbullying that has erupted following a recent Instagram post.
MYKAYLA AND SIMONE BILES
The drama began when Biles shared a post celebrating her 2024 Paris Olympics victory, which some interpreted as a dig at Skinner and her former teammates, according to Page Six.
In an Instagram video, Skinner, 27, addressed the online hate she has faced since Biles’s post.
“I love our country and don’t want to take anything away from our athletes,” she stated.
“Let’s use this time to build each other up, not tear others down ❤️🇺🇸.”
HOW THE SIMONE BILES BACKLASH STARTED
The controversy dates back to a YouTube video Skinner posted in June, according to E News.
In it, she made critical comments about Biles’s teammates, including Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hazyl Rivera.
Following this, Skinner has been inundated with harsh online criticism, including threats against her family.
THE SIMONE BILES SITUATION AND CYBER BULLYING
In the video, Skinner revealed, “Watching people cheer on the bullying … is disgusting.”
She added, “So please at this point, I’m just asking for it to stop for the sake of my family because enough is enough.”
Skinner’s plea highlights the severe impact the online vitriol has had on her personal life, including threats directed at her husband, Jonas Harmer, and their young daughter, Charlotte.
SIMONE BILES’S POST
Skinner’s reaction was prompted by an Instagram post from Biles, according to Chron.
She sarcastically referred to her gold medal-winning team as “lazy” and “lacking talent.”
This post seemed to reignite the debate and sparked further harassment towards Skinner.
“You guys can imagine my surprise last week when I was celebrating our team winning gold just to see this brought up all over again,” Skinner shared.
THE ONGOING FEUD
In her video, Skinner expressed her dismay over the ongoing feud.
She emphasised that the negative comments and threats she’s received are not what she intended and are deeply hurtful.
“If Simone Biles truly believes that I called our team lazy and lacking talent and if that’s really how she feels, I am really heartbroken over it,” she said.
ONLINE HOSTILITY
Skinner reached out directly to Biles, urging her to use her influence to curb the online hostility.
“I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this,” Skinner implored.
“Please ask your followers to stop.” She noted that Biles has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and appealed to her to help end the online abuse.
SKINNER’S PLEA
At the time of writing, Simone Biles has not yet responded publicly to Skinner’s plea.
However, it is clear that the situation has stirred a significant amount of discussion among the gymnastics community and beyond.
Many former Olympic gymnasts have rallied to Biles’s side.
INTENSE PRESSURES AND RIVALRIES
The ongoing drama has shed light on the intense pressures and rivalries within the world of gymnastics, as well as the harsh realities of online harassment.
As the situation unfolds, both Skinner and Simone Biles will undoubtedly continue to be in the spotlight.
NEED FOR EMAPTHY
In the meantime, Skinner’s plea for peace and understanding remains a poignant reminder of the need for empathy and support, especially in the high-stakes world of elite sports.
HOW CAN SPORTS ORGANISATIONS AND TEAMS WORK TOGETHER TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS BULLYING IN THEIR COMMUNITIES?
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