In July 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles became the center of a major international discussion when she withdrew from several gymnastics events. Her decision was based on mental health concerns and the dangerous condition gymnasts call the “twisties,” where spatial awareness is lost mid-air. While many athletes and fans supported her choice, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk reacted harshly. His remarks quickly sparked outrage and remain a point of discussion even years later. This article takes a closer look at what did Charlie Kirk say about Simone Biles in 2021, why it mattered, and how the controversy continues to be remembered.
Table of Contents
Charlie Kirk’s Comments About Simone Biles
On July 27, 2021, the day after Biles withdrew from the team final, Charlie Kirk criticized her on his show. He referred to Simone Biles as:
- a “selfish sociopath”
- “immature”
- “a shame to the country”
Kirk argued that Biles had abandoned her teammates when the nation needed her the most. He said that stepping back from competition because of pressure or uncertainty made her unfit for the Olympic stage. In his words, athletes should either be ready for the spotlight or not compete at all.
His comments came at a time when Biles was explaining that she needed to prioritize her safety and mental health. Instead of empathy, Kirk accused her of weakness, calling her decision disgraceful.
Why His Words Drew Backlash
The remarks quickly triggered widespread criticism for several reasons:
- Dismissal of Mental Health: Biles openly spoke about her mental health struggles, making her one of the most high-profile athletes to bring attention to the issue. Kirk’s choice of words—mocking and dismissive—appeared to belittle the seriousness of mental health challenges.
- National Pressure: The Olympics are a global event where athletes represent their country. By calling Biles a “shame to the country,” Kirk questioned her patriotism and contribution, a move many saw as unnecessarily harsh.
- Safety Concerns Ignored: Gymnastics is a physically demanding and risky sport. Competing while experiencing the twisties could have resulted in severe injury. Critics of Kirk pointed out that ignoring this reality showed a lack of understanding about the dangers involved.
Public Reaction in 2021
The reaction to Kirk’s words was swift:
- Support for Biles: Fellow athletes, celebrities, mental health professionals, and even political leaders praised Biles for putting her well-being first. They emphasized that mental health is just as important as physical readiness.
- Criticism of Kirk: Many accused him of being insensitive and of using Biles’s struggles to score political points. Social media was filled with posts defending Biles and condemning Kirk’s harsh tone.
- Broader Conversation: The episode helped spark a larger discussion about how society treats athletes under extreme pressure and how mental health issues are perceived in competitive environments.
The Broader Impact on Sports and Society
Simone Biles’s decision, paired with the criticism from figures like Kirk, pushed mental health to the forefront of sports conversations. The controversy highlighted key issues:
- Athlete Mental Health: More athletes across different sports began speaking openly about struggles with pressure, anxiety, and depression.
- Changing Culture: Fans and organizations grew more supportive of prioritizing well-being, showing that mental health awareness was becoming mainstream.
- Divided Opinions: While many admired Biles, others—like Kirk—continued to argue that stepping back from competition undermines the spirit of sports. This division continues to reflect broader debates about toughness, resilience, and vulnerability.
Renewed Attention in 2025
Although Kirk’s comments were made in 2021, they have resurfaced in recent weeks. Following Charlie Kirk’s death in September 2025, online posts began circulating that claimed Simone Biles had written a personal blog post about how his remarks caused her lasting harm. The alleged post described sleepless nights, emotional scars, and how being branded a “national disgrace” had affected her.
However, no verified evidence shows that Biles ever published such a blog post. The story spread widely online but appears to have been fabricated. This misinformation highlights how Kirk’s original words still carry weight years later and how quickly false narratives can spread when tied to emotional events.
Why the Controversy Still Resonates
The controversy around what did Charlie Kirk say about Simone Biles in 2021 continues to matter for several reasons:
- Lasting Words: Public figures are often remembered by their most controversial statements. Kirk’s comments remain one of the most widely recalled parts of his record.
- Symbol of a Debate: Biles represents resilience, vulnerability, and change in sports culture, while Kirk’s words symbolize skepticism toward mental health as a valid reason to withdraw.
- Lessons on Discourse: The backlash against Kirk shows that audiences expect more empathy and understanding, especially when discussing athletes facing immense pressure.
Key Takeaways
- In 2021, Simone Biles withdrew from Olympic events due to mental health concerns and safety risks.
- Charlie Kirk criticized her harshly, calling her a “selfish sociopath,” “immature,” and a “shame to the country.”
- His comments drew significant backlash, fueling a global conversation about athlete mental health.
- In 2025, his remarks resurfaced after his death, tied to false rumors about Biles’s response.
- The episode remains a reminder of how words spoken during moments of controversy can have a lasting impact.
Conclusion
The question of what did Charlie Kirk say about Simone Biles in 2021 is more than just about one moment—it’s about how society reacts to athletes, mental health, and public criticism. His comments painted Biles as weak, but history remembers her as an athlete who used her platform to highlight the importance of well-being.
The debate continues to spark conversations about accountability, empathy, and the role of commentators in shaping public opinion. As the story shows, words can linger far beyond the moment they are spoken.
If you followed this story back then or are just revisiting it now, what do you think—was Kirk’s criticism a fair take, or an unfair attack on a young athlete under immense pressure? Share your perspective in the comments below.