After receiving backlash for tweeting that Simone Biles was a “national embarrassment” when she withdrew from the team gymnastics final, Texas‘ deputy attorney general has since apologized for his comments.
“Contrast this with our selfish, childish national embarrassment, Simone Biles,” Aaron Reitz wrote on Tuesday, referring to gymnast Kerri Strug, who competed with a damaged ankle to help Team USA win gold in 1996.
Biles has received an outpouring of support since withdrawing from the team finals to focus on her mental health.
“Sending love to you @Simone Biles -Team UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” Strug tweeted on Tuesday.
Biles’ teammates and other past Olympians have praised her decision as well. Reitz’s tweet, however, provoked an uproar, and he eventually deleted it.
He issued an apology on Twitter on Wednesday that read: “My personal social media comments do not represent Attorney General Paxton or the office of the attorney general,” the Republican began. “In a moment of frustration and disappointment, I opined on subjects for which I am not adequately versed. That was an error. I can’t imagine what Simone Biles has gone through.” He continued, “Simone Biles is a true patriot and one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. I apologize to her and wish her well.”
Biles has been watching from the sidelines, commenting on Instagram that her teammates “stepped up when I couldn’t.”
In a statement, USA Gymnastics stated she will “continue to be evaluated daily” to see if she should compete in the individual event finals next week.
Biles said on Twitter that “the outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before.”
