USA Gymnastics tweeted out a celebratory birthday message on Sunday morning in honor of Simone Biles, and she had an epic response.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time, @simonebiles! We know you will only continue to amaze us and make history!” the post read- along with an 18-second clip highlighting her amazing tumbling ability.
It did not go as planned.
Instead of thanking the gymnastics organization, she used the opportunity to call them out for its handling of a sex abuse scandal.
“How about you amaze me and do the right thing… have an independent investigation,” Biles fired back.
Biles is referring to a case involving Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, convicted of sexual abuse of over 150 women and girls. Nassar was found guilty and is now serving time in prison.
However, it is alleged that USA Gymnastics turned a blind eye to the abuse and may have even enabled it
On Twitter, many were awed by her well-timed drag and trolled USA Gymnastics with memes of their own.
“Simone Biles—amazing gymnast who will drag you mercilessly if you deserve it,” tweeted one Twitter fan.
Many others called Biles a hero.
“This is the type of thing only a select few can do…her…a Lebron….a Brady…..but they don’t the two dudes I listed don’t have the guts. Simone is a hero, ” one user tweeted.
In solidarity, many demanded justice and accountability.
“INDEPENDENT. INVESTIGATION. NOW,” Twitter user @mswann82 wrote.
But one user summed it up best.
“You should give her the gift of an outside investigation. Every single one of you should be fired too. How dare u wish her a happy birthday. She doesn’t need birthday wishes from abusers,” Twitter user @darlingdarko wrote.
In January 2020, USA Gymnastics reportedly offered survivors of Nassar’s abuse a $215 million settlement, which was met with a lot of criticism.
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