Michelle Obama defends Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles over Olympic gesture slammed as ‘disgusting’ by NFL star
Michelle Obama defends Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after NFL star Marlon Humphrey called both American gymnasts “disgusting” for bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during the Olympics.
After Biles and Chiles made the gesture onstage following their second- and third-place finishes in the floor finals on Monday, respectively, Humphrey — a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens — quoted a photo of the moment on X and wrote, “This is literally disgusting.”
But it appears Michelle has now had her say on the viral photo, as the former First Lady shared on X (just 24 hours after Humphrey’s comment): “I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship!
“You can just feel the love radiating through these ladies,” she added. “Congrats Rebeca, Jordan and Simone!”
Humphrey was later criticized on social media by Olympic viewers after someone told him about Andrade’s history with injuries and her close relationship with her rivals, Biles and Chiles.
Michelle Obama stood up for Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after NFL star Marlon Humphrey branded both gymnasts ‘disgusting’ for bowing down to Brazilian Rebeca Andrade
“Yes because it’s disgusting to give flowers to someone who has had THREE torn ACLs and is still a top gymnast,” the user shared in response to Humphrey’s post on X.
Someone else said the same thing: ‘God forbid athletes show disrespect to a fellow athlete who has suffered multiple torn ACLs.’
Someone else dared to tell Humphrey that he first had to ‘get to the final and win something. Then you can talk.’
“This is literally beautiful,” another user commented, in contrast to Humphrey’s post.
Humphrey later appeared to regret his actions on X, telling his followers that he felt the anger of the Brazilian fans on the platform, while simultaneously forgetting that they speak Portuguese in the South American country.
“I’m secretly freaking out right now. I think I’m being called Brazilian names on Instagram lol,” Humphrey shared a few hours after his initial reaction to the photo of Biles, Chiles and Andrade.
Humphrey later regretted his post on X, saying he was “sworn at in Brazilian”
In a response to Michelle’s post on X on Tuesday, one fan said of the solidarity of the three Olympic gymnasts on the podium: “We can all learn from this.”
“It was absolutely beautiful,” echoed another user. “This is why we love sports and why the world hosts the Olympics. Rebaca, Simone and Jordan, you three are real Queens.”
Someone else said on X: ‘Competition, unity and respect. Olympics!’
Biles finished the 2024 Olympics with four medals, three of which were gold, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11. She teamed with Chiles to win gold in the women’s artistic team all-around final.
