Simone Biles Faces Backlash as New Balance Cuts Ties Over Controversial Social Media Spat with Riley Gaines: A $22 Million Deal in Jeopardy

In an unprecedented turn of events, Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles is facing major consequences following a fiery social media exchange that has now cost her a substantial endorsement deal. The $22 million partnership with New Balance, one of her top sponsors, has reportedly been severed after Biles publicly criticized former NCAA swimmer and outspoken women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines. The fallout from this incident has ignited a nationwide debate over the intersection of sports, activism, and corporate sponsorships, with Biles at the center of it all.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The controversy began when Riley Gaines, known for her staunch stance on protecting women’s sports and opposing the inclusion of transgender women in female athletic competitions, tweeted her condemnation of the policy allowing biological males to compete in female sports. Gaines has been a vocal advocate for safeguarding the integrity of women’s athletics, and her tweet was a direct challenge to the growing movement toward transgender inclusion in competitive sports.

Simone Biles, a long-time advocate for inclusion and diversity, quickly responded with a tweet that many saw as a direct rebuke to Gaines’ position. Biles wrote, “Real champions rise by lifting others — not by tearing them down for who they are,” a message widely interpreted as a defense of transgender athletes and an attack on those who disagree with their inclusion in women’s sports.

What Biles likely expected to be a show of solidarity for inclusion quickly turned into a firestorm of backlash. Her comments were met with fierce criticism from a significant portion of the sports community, particularly those who felt that Biles, a female athlete who rose to fame competing in a women-only category, was betraying the cause of “real women” in sports. Her critics accused her of turning her back on biological women and prioritizing a progressive agenda over fairness and equity in sports.

New Balance Reacts Swiftly

Within days of the online spat, rumors began circulating that Biles’ primary sponsor, New Balance, was reconsidering their relationship with the gymnast. Known for its long-standing relationship with Biles and its reputation for supporting athletes who promote inclusivity and diversity, New Balance had to navigate a tricky situation as the controversy over Biles’ remarks continued to escalate.

Late on a Sunday evening, sources close to the company confirmed the worst: the $22 million endorsement deal between Biles and New Balance was officially terminated. In a brief statement, New Balance explained their decision:

“We believe in promoting respect and fairness in all areas of sport. At this time, we’ve decided to move in a different direction with our athlete partnerships.”

While the company did not explicitly mention Simone Biles by name, insiders revealed that her recent social media comments about transgender inclusion and women’s sports played a direct role in the brand’s decision to cut ties. The swift action taken by New Balance has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment world, raising questions about the price of activism in today’s corporate world and the risks associated with publicly supporting controversial stances.

Fans Divided: The Fallout Continues

The immediate response from fans and supporters of both Biles and Gaines has been intense, with the incident sparking passionate debates on social media platforms. Supporters of Riley Gaines hailed New Balance’s decision as a victory for women’s sports and a step toward protecting the integrity of female athletics. For them, the termination of Biles’ endorsement deal was seen as a much-needed rebuke to what they perceived as the erosion of women’s spaces in sports.

One social media user wrote, “Simone Biles was a role model to so many young girls—until she sided with ideology over biology.” This sentiment resonated with many of Biles’ critics, who feel that her platform and influence could have been used to protect women’s sports, rather than supporting what they view as the overreach of transgender inclusion.

On the other hand, Biles’ supporters have been vocal in their defense of the gymnast, arguing that she was simply standing up for her beliefs and supporting transgender athletes in the face of discrimination. For many, Biles’ stance was an example of courage in the face of criticism, and they have called out New Balance for what they see as capitulation to anti-inclusion voices.

Critics have argued that Biles was unfairly punished for expressing empathy and standing up for the rights of marginalized groups. One tweet that gained traction read, “Simone Biles has always stood for inclusivity and kindness. She’s not the villain here—she’s the one standing up for what’s right.”

As the online debate rages on, the question remains: Was it worth it for Biles to take such a public stance, especially if it meant losing a lucrative endorsement deal and facing such intense backlash?

The Bigger Picture: The Price of Activism in the Age of Corporate Sponsorships

Biles’ situation highlights a growing tension between celebrity activism and corporate interests. In the past, athletes and entertainers have been praised for using their platforms to advocate for social justice and inclusivity. But in today’s polarized climate, taking a stand on certain issues can have serious financial consequences.

Losing a $22 million deal is a major blow for Biles, who had built an empire around her gymnastics success and public persona. Her sponsorships with major brands like New Balance, as well as her social media influence, were key components of her financial success. Yet, the cost of expressing her views—whether seen as progressive or divisive—has now proven to be incredibly high.

This incident also raises broader questions about the role of corporations in shaping public discourse. Brands, particularly in the sports industry, have increasingly aligned themselves with progressive values in recent years, supporting causes related to racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. However, as Biles’ situation shows, companies are not always willing to stand by their athletes when those views contradict the values of their broader customer base or risk alienating key stakeholders.

This dilemma also points to the shifting dynamics in the world of corporate sponsorship. As brands become more closely tied to political and social movements, athletes and entertainers who align themselves with controversial causes may find their endorsement deals in jeopardy. The result is a fine line between expressing personal beliefs and maintaining a profitable relationship with sponsors who have their own agendas to protect.

Riley Gaines Responds: A Cryptic Tweet and a Larger Message

In the wake of the controversy, Riley Gaines has not directly responded to Biles’ comments, but she did post a cryptic tweet that seemed to address the larger issue. Gaines, who has been a vocal advocate for protecting women’s sports, shared a message that read: “Truth doesn’t need defending. It just needs people brave enough to stand for it.”

Her tweet has been widely interpreted as a direct response to the situation, suggesting that she believes the truth—regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports—is self-evident, and those who support her cause should stand firm in the face of adversity.

While Gaines has not engaged in the media frenzy surrounding Biles, her message underscores the divide that exists within women’s sports over issues of inclusion and fairness. For many, this incident marks just another chapter in the ongoing battle over the future of female athletics and the role of transgender athletes in competitive sports.

Final Thoughts: The Cost of Speaking Out

The fallout from Simone Biles’ public criticism of Riley Gaines and her subsequent loss of a major endorsement deal has set a new precedent for celebrity activism. The situation highlights the complex relationship between athletes, their personal beliefs, and the corporations that sponsor them. For Biles, the consequences of speaking out on behalf of transgender athletes may have been severe, but her actions have sparked a conversation that is far from over.

As the sports world grapples with issues of inclusion, fairness, and the intersection of corporate interests and activism, Biles’ story will undoubtedly continue to be a case study in the high price of standing up for one’s beliefs. Whether or not she can rebuild her brand in the wake of this controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the cost of speaking out on sensitive social issues in today’s world is higher than ever. And for Caitlin Clark and other athletes, the stakes have never been higher.