MyKayla Skinner has taken to Instagram, urging Simone Biles to help stop the cyberbullying she’s been experiencing. This plea comes a week after Biles made headlines for an Instagram caption celebrating her 2024 Paris Olympics win, which seemed to throw shade at Skinner, who, in June, commented on the work ethic of Biles’ teammates—Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hazyl Rivera.
In an emotional Instagram video, the 27-year-old gymnast shared the online harassment she has faced since Biles’ post. Skinner emphasized her love for the country and support for its athletes, calling for unity rather than division.
“I love our country and don’t want to take anything away from our athletes,” she said. “Let’s use this time to build each other up, not tear others down ❤️🇺🇸.”
Skinner explained that the online hate has gotten “out of hand,” with threats directed at her, her husband, Jonas Harmer, and their 10-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
“Watching people cheer on the bullying … is disgusting,” Skinner said. “I’m just asking for it to stop for the sake of my family because enough is enough.”
She shared that she apologized to the women involved and received a positive response from Biles, who told her she was “proud” of her. However, Skinner was shocked to see the issue resurface in Biles’ Instagram caption last week.
In the caption, Biles sarcastically referred to her gold medal-winning team as “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.” This comment reignited a wave of hateful messages towards Skinner.
“If Simone 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,” Skinner said. She added that the ensuing hate from Biles’ post has led to more hurtful comments, DMs, articles, and emails.
Addressing Biles directly, Skinner said, “I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop.”
She acknowledged Biles’ advocacy for mental health awareness, saying, “A lot of people need your help now. We’ve been attacked in ways that I’m certain you never intended.”
Biles, the most-decorated Olympic gymnast, previously tweeted that she had been “blocked” by Skinner. This was confirmed by Chiles, who shared a photo on her Instagram Story.
Many former Olympic gymnasts have shown their support for Biles. McKayla Maroney, for instance, expressed her disappointment with Skinner’s comments via Instagram, joking, “Feels like I need to apologize just to redeem my first name.”
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