Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Simone Biles Sparks Controversy with Gender-Related Comment at ESPYs

Olympian Simone Biles took home the first ESPY award of the night on Wednesday

SHOCKING ESPY AWARD WINNER!

The night of nights, the ESPY Awards, was lit up with drama and controversy as Olympic superstar Simone Biles took home the top prize for Best Championship Performance. But little did anyone expect that her acceptance speech would spark a firestorm on social media!

As she accepted the award, Simone looked stunning in a black jumpsuit, flashing her winning smile alongside NFL hubby Jonathan Owens on the red carpet earlier. But it was her words that left fans reeling!

The Olympic legend sparked fury after making a gender swipe in her acceptance speech

In her heartfelt speech, Simone opened by offering prayers to those affected by the devastating floods in Texas earlier this month - a touching tribute indeed! However, it was her subsequent comment about winning an award in a category filled with men that raised eyebrows and sparked outrage.

"I believe in the power of sport, the power of us, and of course, the power of she," Simone said, winking at the camera. And that's when things got real!

Fans took to Twitter to express their shock and disgust, with some even calling her out for hypocrisy! "Simone Biles wins the first award, and still the only thing she can talk about is gender lmaooo #ESPYS2025," one user wrote.

The comment came weeks after the USA hero's feud with Riley Gaines over trans athletes

Another added: "Simone Biles says she believes in the power of she but totally cool with dudes playing against women and taking opportunities from them #ESPYS2025"

Rumors swirled that Simone was still reeling from her very public feud with conservative activist Riley Gaines, who had criticized transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Some even accused Simone of being "woke trash"!

But it wasn't just the 'power of she' comment that left fans fuming - it was her subtle jab at winning an award among male competitors! "Did @Simone_Biles just make a comment about winning an award with all men as being a shock? Hmm.. I didn’t think men and women was any different to compete against?" someone asked.

And let's not forget Simone's infamous spat with Riley Gaines earlier this year, where she called her out for bullying trans athletes! "You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser," Simone had written on X!

Fast forward to Wednesday night, and it seemed like old wounds were still raw! Fans went wild, calling out Simone's apparent hypocrisy: "Simone Biles is woke trash. She is ok with biological males competing with biological females in sports. This is why she won an ESPY. The ESPY'S are a joke anyway," one user raged.

But amidst the controversy, fans also celebrated Simone's heartfelt condolences to those affected by the Texas floods. "I first want to talk and offer my condolences and prayers to all those impacted by the devastating flash flooding on July 4th in central Texas. Words can't replace the pain, but our hearts are with you during this tragic time," she said.

As for Simone's victory speech, it was a sweet moment indeed! "I'm honored to receive this award. The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey, my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way," she gushed.

But don't think for a second that Simone's controversies will die down anytime soon! With her ESPY win came more scrutiny than ever before - and we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this fiery Olympic superstar!

TheScholarlyNote.com is your go-to source for all the latest juicy celebrity gossip and drama - stay tuned for more updates on Simone Biles and the world of entertainment!

Her reference to the 'power of she' stirred controversy among social media users on X

The gymnast shares a kiss with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, after her win

Biles earned the award after claiming three golds and a silver in last summer's Olympics