The debate over transgender participation in women’s sports took another sharp turn this week when Olympic icon Simone Biles found herself at the center of backlash for allegedly dismissing “common sense” questions before publicly mocking women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines — along with criticizing an upcoming Netflix series addressing the issue.
The controversy began when Biles, a seven-time Olympic medalist and one of the most celebrated gymnasts in history, entered the ongoing national conversation surrounding fairness in women’s sports. The debate has intensified in recent months as more athletic organizations, politicians, and media outlets have engaged with the topic.
Biles Sparks Controversy
It started with a social media post where Biles responded to questions regarding the fairness of allowing transgender women — individuals who are biologically male but identify as female — to compete in women’s sports. Critics say that transgender women may retain physical advantages, raising questions about whether it’s fair competition.
Rather than addressing those concerns directly, Biles appeared to brush them off, referring to such positions as “disguised bigotry” and “tired arguments.” In one now-viral post, Biles reportedly mocked the notion that women’s sports advocates like Gaines were “really just trying to help girls.”
Her dismissive tone quickly drew sharp criticism, with many accusing Biles of refusing to engage with reasonable, “common sense” questions about fairness, biology, and competitive integrity before launching into personal attacks against Gaines.
The controversy deepened when Biles took aim at a new Netflix series set to tackle the subject of transgender athletes in sports — a documentary project that features interviews with female athletes, including Riley Gaines. Biles appeared to mock the documentary’s premise, calling it “fear-mongering dressed up as empowerment.”
Riley Gaines Responds
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer who has become one of the most prominent voices advocating for women’s sports fairness, quickly fired back at Biles’ remarks.
“It’s unfortunate to see someone with Simone’s platform ignore common sense questions that matter to female athletes across the country,” Gaines said in a statement. “These aren’t hateful questions — they’re real, they’re biological, and they impact the dreams of young girls just like the ones who once looked up to Simone herself.”
Gaines argued that Biles was avoiding the substance of the debate by dismissing legitimate concerns as hatred or bigotry. “Mocking me or mocking a documentary won’t change the biological reality or what’s happening to women’s sports,” she added.
Netflix Documentary Caught in the Crossfire
Meanwhile, Netflix, which has not yet released the title or official release date of the series, found itself drawn into the storm. The streaming giant is reportedly preparing to spotlight women athletes who have spoken publicly about losing competitions, opportunities, or scholarships due to competing against transgender athletes.
Supporters of the project claim it’s about fairness and defending women’s rights in sports. Critics, like Biles, argue it promotes exclusion and division.
Netflix has remained silent on the latest round of controversy but is expected to face increased scrutiny from both supporters and opponents as the release date approaches.
Bigger Implications
This latest clash highlights how cultural debates over gender identity, fairness, and athletic competition continue to escalate, especially when high-profile celebrities weigh in. While Biles has apologized for personal attacks against Gaines, her dismissal of the broader argument has deepened the divide between inclusion advocates and those championing sex-based competition categories.
Both Biles and Gaines represent powerful voices on either side of the issue, ensuring that the debate — and the tensions surrounding it — won’t be quieting down anytime soon.
