Simone Biles just flipped the script- this time, not on a balance beam but in the middle of a heated culture war. The Olympic legend, known for defying gravity, is now catching heat for defying public opinion, and one of her biggest sponsors is feeling the aftershocks.
Biles clashed online with OutKick contributor Riley Gaines over the issue of transgender inclusion in sports. Her words weren’t soft. She called Gaines a “sore loser” and challenged her to “uplift the trans community” instead of targeting it. That one comment sent ripples across social media, and now Athleta, the women’s activewear giant that’s proudly backed Biles since 2021, is being dragged into the chaos.
Boycott Threats Flood Athleta’s Channels
Athleta, which includes Biles in its Power of She Collective aimed at empowering women, has not released a statement on the controversy. But the pressure is mounting fast. In the hours following the social media feud, angry customers lit up Athleta’s pages with calls to sever ties.
@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender… https://t.co/pjpzuZ0AlO
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025
“I shop at Athleta often but will be boycotting unless you drop Simone Biles,” one X user wrote.
I shop at Athleta often but will be boycotting unless you drop Simone Biles.
— Cat (@Cat87219) June 7, 2025
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Olympics stories via Google! Follow Us
Another declared, “No more Simone Biles. Get someone who is truly for women in women’s sports!”
No more Simone Biles. Get someone who is truly for women in women's sports!
— Monica (@Monica47774145) June 7, 2025
A third added, “Your brand ambassador is embarrassing you.”
your brand ambassador is embarrassing you.
— Square-Faced Man (@SquareFacedMan) June 7, 2025
Others echoed similar sentiments, with posts like, “I’m never buying Athleta.”
I’m never buying Athleta. https://t.co/YkDm7vEbvA
— JoRL (@spaceghostRL) June 7, 2025
The wave of reactions reveals a deep divide in how fans view the intersection of sports and gender identity. Some are applauding Biles for using her platform to advocate for inclusion. Others feel betrayed by her stance and believe it undermines the integrity of women’s sports.
Biles has not backed down or walked back her comments. Her track record as a vocal advocate for mental health, equity, and athlete welfare suggests she won’t. Whether Athleta chooses to weather the storm or shift course remains to be seen. For now, the brand is in the eye of a culture war it likely didn’t expect to fight this weekend.
