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Michelle Obama steps in after ‘disgusting’ reaction to Simone Biles photo

Michelle Obama is supporting Simone Biles after a “disgusting” take on a photo of her from the Paris Olympics that’s gone viral.

Ex-gymnast's desperate plea to Biles

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles are getting the backing of former first lady Michelle Obama after their viral medals photo.

After the Team USA gymnasts bowed down in a sign of deference to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who had just won gold in the floor exercise, the duo of Biles and Chiles were called out by Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey.

“This is literally disgusting,” Humphrey, the three-time Pro Bowler, wrote on X on Monday morning.

Simone Biles (silver), Brazil's Rebeca Andrade (gold) and Jordan Chiles (bronze) pose during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics women's floor exercise event. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Simone Biles (silver), Brazil's Rebeca Andrade (gold) and Jordan Chiles (bronze) pose during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics women's floor exercise event. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)

However, Obama had a much different response to the Americans’ actions, saying they showed a good level of “sportsmanship” after Biles took silver and Chiles grabbed bronze.

“I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship! You can just feel the love shining through these ladies. Congrats Rebeca, Jordan and Simone!” Obama wrote on X.

Humphrey was resoundingly bashed online for his opinion, which he admitted to in a follow-up post later on Monday night.

“I’m low-key getting cooked right now. I think I’m getting cussed out in Brazilian on Instagram lol,” he wrote.

Michelle Obama has given her support to Simone Biles.
Michelle Obama has given her support to Simone Biles.

It’s been an eventful Olympics for Biles and Chiles, who have won six medals in total for Team USA.

It’s been a tour of redemption for Biles in particular, who left the 2020 Toyko Olympics after dealing with the “twisties.”

Three gold medals and one silver later, Biles has been at the forefront of gymnastics again with an incredible effort in Paris.

The 27-year-old was also involved in some social media drama earlier in the games after she shaded former teammate MyKayla Skinner — who had previously called out US “work ethic” — after the Americans clinched gold in the team all-around event.

Skinner took to Instagram on Tuesday, pleading with Biles to get her fans to stop berating her.

“Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly, to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop, you have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness and a lot of people need your help now,” Skinner said.

Biles is now done with these Olympics but has not ruled out another run in 2028.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as Michelle Obama steps in after ‘disgusting’ reaction to Simone Biles photo

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/olympics/michelle-obama-steps-in-after-disgusting-reaction-to-simone-biles-photo/news-story/ba5a6825971be2a8a25deda4a6456909