Hello everyone! Today, we’re diving into a heated debate sparked by a moment of sportsmanship at the Olympics that has set social media on fire. It all started when NFL star Marlon Humphrey criticized American gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles for bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade after the floor exercise final. Humphrey took to X (formerly Twitter) to call the gesture “literally disgusting.”
Marlon Humphrey criticized for calling Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ sportsmanship at the 2024 Paris Olympics “literally disgusting.” https://t.co/YoKXE7xJon
— 965TheSpear (@965TheSpear) August 7, 2024
But wait, it gets juicier. Enter Michelle Obama, who wasn’t about to let this slide. Barely 24 hours after Humphrey’s controversial comment, the former First Lady chimed in on X with a message that radiated support and admiration: “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!”
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! ✨ https://t.co/WIQMccUDNK
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 6, 2024
Humphrey’s remark ignited a firestorm on social media, with users rushing to defend the gymnasts and educate Humphrey on the context of the moment. One user highlighted Andrade’s incredible journey back from three ACL tears, underscoring the respect and camaraderie among the athletes.
Another user snapped back, “God forbid athletes show respect to a fellow athlete who has suffered a torn ACL multiple times.” The backlash was swift and intense, with fans urging Humphrey to “get to a final and win something” before criticizing others.
As the criticism mounted, Humphrey seemed to regret his initial post. He admitted on X, “I’m lowkey getting cooked right now. I think I’m getting cussed out in Brazilian on Instagram lol,” showcasing a bit of humor amidst the backlash.
In response to Michelle Obama’s post, the praise for Biles, Chiles, and Andrade’s display of unity was overwhelming. Fans echoed sentiments of admiration, with one user saying, “We can all learn from this,” while another added, “This is why we love sports n reason why the world organizes the Olympics. Rebeca, Simone n Jordan you three are true Queens.” Another summed it up perfectly: “Competition, unity and respect. Olympics!”
Simone Biles, who ended the 2024 Olympics with an impressive four medals, including three golds, has once again shown why she’s a champion both on and off the mat. Alongside Chiles, she helped secure gold in the women’s artistic team all-around final, adding to her already remarkable Olympic legacy.