Was Simone Biles Dropped By New Balance? US Gymnast Suffers Backlash From Riley Gaines Feud

Olympic champion Simone Biles has found herself at the centre of an online firestorm after engaging in a heated public exchange with Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer-turned activist. The feud, which sparked fierce debate across social media, led to rumours that Biles had been dropped by her sponsor, New Balance.

The Riley Gaines' Tweet That Sparked a Storm

The controversy began earlier this month when Riley Gaines shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) mocking a transgender high school softball player in Minnesota.

Simone Biles publicly responded to the post, calling Gaines "sick" and suggesting she was campaigning out of resentment over past defeats. Biles added that sports should consider creating a separate transgender category.

Gaines retaliated by resurfacing a tweet from Biles in 2017, in which the gymnast joked that it was fortunate men did not compete against women, or they would win all the gold medals. This led to accusations of hypocrisy and fuelled further backlash, particularly from conservative commentators and right-wing media outlets.

Public Apology and Social Media Exit

Following the online uproar, Biles issued a public apology. She stated that her response to Gaines was overly personal and reiterated her belief in balancing inclusivity with fairness in sport. In her follow-up statement, Biles stressed that transgender issues in athletics were complex and called for empathy and respect in discussing them.

Shortly afterwards, Biles deactivated her X account, which had nearly two million followers. The move was seen as an attempt to distance herself from the escalating online vitriol. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some praising her maturity while others, including Gaines, claimed victory in the feud.

Adding further fuel, former teammate MyKayla Skinner weighed in on the situation, accusing Biles of unkind behaviour during their competitive years. While not directly related to the transgender debate, Skinner's remarks contributed to the growing criticism aimed at Biles during a difficult media moment.

Was Simone Biles Really Dropped by New Balance?

Amid the controversy, posts began circulating across social media alleging that New Balance had terminated their endorsement deal with Biles, reportedly worth $22 million (around £16.2 million).

However, these claims appear to be entirely unfounded. Fact-checking site Snopes investigated the rumour and found no credible evidence to suggest that New Balance had dropped Biles.

There has been no official statement from the company or any changes to their public marketing campaigns involving the gymnast. As of now, Simone Biles remains a New Balance ambassador.

A Larger Debate in Sports and Society

This incident highlights the increasingly charged nature of conversations around transgender athletes, fairness, and representation in sport. For high-profile figures like Biles, weighing in on such issues can trigger both support and fierce opposition. It also shows how quickly misinformation can spread, particularly when athlete activism intersects with corporate sponsorship.

The New Balance rumour underscores the importance of verifying claims before they are accepted as fact. Brands often choose to remain neutral in politically sensitive matters, and there is no indication that New Balance has taken any action regarding Biles.

Where Simone Biles Stands Now Amid Controversy

Despite the widespread backlash and social media drama, Simone Biles has not been dropped by New Balance. While her comments sparked controversy, they have also opened the door for meaningful discussion about fairness and inclusion in sport. For now, she remains both a decorated athlete and a public figure navigating the complexities of modern advocacy.