MyKayla Skinner has publicly pleaded with Simone Biles to intervene and help stop the online bullying and death threats she and her family have been receiving amidst their ongoing feud. Skinner, visibly emotional, addressed the issue on Instagram, highlighting the severe harassment that has escalated following her recent comments about the current USA Gymnastics squad.
Skinner, a former USA Gymnastics star herself, recently faced backlash after questioning the dedication and talent of the current American gymnastics team in a YouTube video. Her remarks resurfaced following a cryptic post from Biles that seemed to criticize the squad, igniting a wave of online vitriol directed at Skinner.
In her Instagram video, Skinner expressed regret for her comments, admitting she poorly articulated her point. “I sincerely hoped that this topic wouldn’t have to be revisited, but unfortunately, things have really gotten out of hand lately,” she said. Skinner emphasized that she never intended to harm or offend her former teammates and had already apologized through various means, including personal messages to each team member. Only Biles responded, expressing pride in Skinner.
The feud reignited when Biles’ recent social media post brought attention back to Skinner’s comments, resulting in another surge of hateful messages and threats. Skinner expressed her dismay and heartbreak over the situation, especially since her family, including her husband, daughter, and agent, have become targets of cyberbullying.
Skinner directly addressed Biles in her plea, saying, “If Simone truly believes that I called our team lazy and lacking talent and that’s how she really feels, I am really heartbroken over it. But not just heartbroken because it isn’t how I feel… but heartbroken because Simone’s latest [social media] post and others that followed it fueled another wave of hateful comments, DMs, articles, and emails – hate that includes death threats to me, my family, and even my agent.”
She begged Biles to use her influence to quell the hostility, acknowledging Biles’ role as a champion for mental health awareness. Skinner urged for unity and support within the gymnastics community, especially during such a significant time as the Olympics. “You have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness, and a lot of people need your help now,” she said. “We’ve been hurt and attacked in ways that I am certain you never intended.”
Meanwhile, Biles’ supporters have continued to mock Skinner, particularly after Biles secured another gold medal.
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