Why Simone Biles Deleted Her X (Twitter) Account

In a move that stunned her nearly two million followers, gymnastics icon Simone Biles deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account without warning. Her disappearance came shortly after a tense and highly public exchange with swimmer and activist Riley Gaines, reigniting debates around trans inclusion in sports.

The controversy began with a seemingly benign image—a Minnesota girls’ softball team celebrating a championship win. The school turned off comments, prompting Gaines to respond sarcastically, “Comments off lol.” Biles stepped into the fray, accusing Gaines of being a “sore loser” for her past opposition to trans athletes like Lia Thomas.

Rather than walking away, Biles doubled down with multiple strong-worded posts. She accused Gaines of bullying trans athletes and called for more inclusive spaces in sports. “You bully them,” she wrote, adding that “no one in sports is safe with you around.” In a post that surprised many, she told Gaines to “bully someone your own size.”

The tone was unusually confrontational for an athlete known for her composure and discipline.

As public backlash mounted, Biles softened her messaging. Days later, she posted a more measured statement:

“I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport.”

It was an attempt to strike a balance—one that acknowledged fairness and inclusion in equal measure. But soon after, without further explanation, Biles’s entire account was gone. No farewell post. No clarifying statement. Just silence.

While Biles hasn’t explained her decision, several factors likely contributed:

Her exit may reflect more than a reaction to a single incident. It highlights the broader challenge of being a public figure in contentious conversations—especially when trying to bridge compassion and competition.

Whether or not Biles returns to the platform, her silence has made one thing clear: sometimes logging off says more than any tweet can.