The internet has a very long memory. Sometimes, it’s a bit too long. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have seen people buzzing about what did simone biles say about charlie kirk after her massive success in Paris and beyond. It’s one of those culture-war collisions that feels like it happened yesterday, even though the roots go back to the Tokyo Games.
Honestly, the whole situation is a masterclass in how modern celebrity and political punditry clash. Most people expect a direct, name-calling feud. But Simone Biles has always been a bit more tactical than that. She doesn't usually get into the mud with every talking head who has a microphone and an opinion. Instead, she lets the gold medals do the heavy lifting.
The 2021 Tokyo Catalyst
To understand the friction, you have to go back to 2021. This was the year of the "twisties." Simone Biles, arguably the greatest gymnast to ever touch a balance beam, withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics citing mental health concerns. The world was split. Most saw it as an act of incredible bravery; others saw it as a betrayal of the competitive spirit.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was firmly in the latter camp. On his podcast, he didn't hold back. He called Biles a "sociopath" and a "shame to the country." He argued that her decision to prioritize her mental wellbeing over the competition was a sign of a "weak-minded" generation. It was harsh. It was loud. And it certainly got the engagement he was looking for.
Did she actually mention his name?
Here is the thing that trips everyone up: Simone Biles rarely mentions Charlie Kirk by name. If you are looking for a tweet that says "Hey Charlie Kirk, be quiet," you won't find it. That isn't her style.
Instead, she uses what I like to call "the collective clapback."
She has spent the last few years posting subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, messages directed at her "haters" and "critics." When she won gold in Paris, she posted a photo with the caption "lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions." Now, most people know that was a direct jab at former teammate MyKayla Skinner. But many fans also saw it as a broader middle finger to everyone—including Kirk—who had called her "weak" or a "quitter" three years prior.
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The 2024 and 2025 Context
As we moved into 2024 and now into 2025, the narrative shifted. Biles didn't just return; she dominated. This "Redemption Tour" effectively silenced a lot of the pundits who claimed she was "finished."
When she wins, she often shares posts from other people who are defending her. For example, when supporters post clips of Kirk's 2021 comments alongside her 2024 gold medal wins, she has been known to "like" or share those posts. In the world of modern celebrity, a "like" is basically a press release. It's her way of saying, "I see you, and I haven't forgotten."
Why this matters for sports culture
This isn't just about two famous people not liking each other. It’s about a fundamental shift in how we view athletes. For decades, the "Shut Up and Play" mentality ruled the day. Kirk represents that old-school (and often politically charged) view that athletes are basically public property who owe us a performance regardless of their personal health.
Biles, by standing her ground and eventually winning again on her own terms, rewrote that script. When people ask what did simone biles say about charlie kirk, they are often looking for a specific "gotcha" moment, but the real answer is more powerful: she said she didn't need his approval to be the GOAT.
Direct Confrontations vs. Passive Resistance
It is worth noting that Biles has been more direct with other critics. You might recall her recent friction with Riley Gaines in 2025. In that instance, Biles was much more vocal on X (formerly Twitter), calling out what she perceived as bullying.
Because she was so direct with Gaines, it makes her silence regarding Kirk even more interesting. It’s almost as if she views his commentary as so beneath her that it doesn't even warrant a typed-out response.
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- The Silence: By not mentioning him, she denies him the direct engagement that fuels punditry.
- The Results: Every gold medal serves as a factual rebuttal to the claim that she is "weak."
- The Fans: Her massive following often does the "talking" for her, flooding Kirk’s mentions with her stats every time she wins.
What users get wrong about the feud
Most people assume there was a big, televised sit-down or a specific "diss track" style post. There wasn't. The "feud" is largely one-sided in terms of verbal attacks. Kirk provides the vitriol; Biles provides the excellence.
There were rumors in late 2024 that Biles might appear on a long-form podcast to "set the record straight" about all her political critics. That hasn't happened yet. She seems content to live her life, marry her husband (NFL player Jonathan Owens), and continue being the most decorated gymnast in history.
Actionable Takeaways from the Biles-Kirk Saga
If you're following this because you're interested in how to handle critics or just love the drama, there are some real lessons here.
1. Protect your peace.
Biles showed that you don't have to respond to every dog that barks. If she had spent 2021 arguing with Charlie Kirk on Twitter, she might not have had the mental bandwidth to train for 2024.
2. Success is the best evidence.
If someone calls you "lazy" or "untalented," the most effective response isn't a paragraph of text—it’s proving them wrong through your actions. Results are harder to argue with than opinions.
3. Context is everything.
When you see a headline about "Simone Biles slamming critics," look at the date. Much of the current buzz is a reflection of the 2021 comments being resurfaced in the wake of her continued success.
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The reality is that what did simone biles say about charlie kirk is a question with a very short verbal answer but a very long physical one. She said everything she needed to say without saying much at all. She showed up, she took care of herself, and then she won. Again. And again.
If you're looking for the latest on Simone's competitive schedule or her upcoming business ventures in 2026, keep an eye on her official social channels. She's leaned heavily into her own brand lately, moving away from the drama and toward a legacy that's entirely her own.
Key Facts to Remember
- Charlie Kirk called Biles a "sociopath" in 2021.
- Biles has never engaged in a direct, back-and-forth verbal war with Kirk.
- Her 2024/2025 successes are widely viewed as a "silent" response to all 2021 critics.
- Biles is more likely to use "likes" and shared posts to signal her feelings than direct quotes.
By focusing on her own mental health and athletic standards, Biles essentially won the long game. Pundits move on to the next outrage, but the history books keep the medals.
To keep track of how athletes are navigating the intersection of sports and politics in 2026, you should follow the official Olympic committee updates and the individual social feeds of the athletes themselves. The landscape is changing fast, and the "Biles Model" of ignoring the noise is becoming the new standard for high-profile stars.
Check out the official Team USA athlete bios for more details on her career stats and upcoming appearances.