In June 2025, social media erupted with claims that legendary gymnast Simone Biles had been suspended from Team USA.
The reason? An alleged online spat with Riley Gaines, the outspoken former NCAA swimmer known for her anti-transgender activism.
But is there any truth to this claim? Here’s what we found.
The Viral Rumor Was Started By A Satirical Page
The controversy began when a Facebook post claimed that Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, had been officially suspended from Team USA following a heated exchange with Riley Gaines.
The post was widely shared, stoking outrage and debate across social media.
At first glance, the rumor seemed believable to some, especially given the recent attention the trans athlete debate has received.
However, closer inspection reveals that the claim is entirely false.
The story originated from America’s Last Line of Defense, a network of satirical websites known for publishing fictional or intentionally misleading content.
The platform even includes a disclaimer on its Facebook page: “Nothing on this page is real.”
Despite the disclaimer, many online users interpreted the fictional story as fact, contributing to its viral spread.
Simone Biles Slams Riley Gaines As They Debate Over Trans Athletes In Women’s Sports
The fiction was loosely based on real online comments made by Simone Biles.
The exchange started after Riley Gaines posted a photo from the Minnesota high school softball championship with the caption:
“Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.”
This was a clear dig at Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender pitcher who had just helped Champlin Park High School win a state title.
bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025
Biles replied on X (formerly Twitter), calling Gaines “truly sick” and “a sore loser.”
She wrote,
“You should be uplifting trans athletes or creating space for dialogue—not bullying them. One thing’s for sure, no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!”
She followed up with another jab, telling Gaines to “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Amid the online storm, observers noticed that USA Gymnastics had quietly removed its transgender athlete eligibility policy pages from its official website.
Pages outlining inclusion guidelines, which were previously accessible via direct links, now lead to 404 errors.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, USA Gymnastics said:
“In May, USAG removed its policy to assess compliance with the current legal landscape.”
This development coincided with the Biles-Gaines feud, leading some to speculate about broader institutional shifts on transgender inclusion in sports.
Simone Biles’ criticism of Gaines came at a time when U.S. sports institutions have been reevaluating policies regarding transgender participation.
USA Track and Field (USATF) revised its guidelines to reflect World Athletics rules, which ban athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in the women’s division.
USA Fencing announced similar intentions to limit women’s categories to biological females.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans oppose biological males competing in women’s sports, and 67% of Democrats share the same view.
Simone Biles Was Not Suspended
No. Simone Biles has not been suspended by Team USA.
The claim is satirical and false, and there is no official record or announcement from USA Gymnastics or the U.S. Olympic Committee regarding any disciplinary action.
While her comments sparked widespread discussion and drew criticism, particularly from conservative circles and high-profile figures such as Donald Trump Jr., they did not result in suspension or any formal consequences.
The claim that Simone Biles was suspended from Team USA is entirely untrue and originated from a known satire site.
While the conversation about trans athletes remains a polarizing issue in sports, Biles remains an active and influential figure in gymnastics.
