Former United States First Lady Michelle Obama has added her voice to the chatter following Baltimore Ravens star Marlon Humphrey criticizing Team USA gymnast Simone Biles.
The NFL cornerback branded Biles’ gesture towards Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade “disgusting” after the latter won gold in the women’s floor event at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, this week.
Biles, who won three gold medals and one silver at the prestigious event, joined American teammate Jordan Chiles in honoring Andrade following her impressive win.
Humphrey took to X/Twitter with claims that “This is literally disgusting.”
Obama defended Biles’ actions, calling it a “beautiful moment.”
“I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship!” she tweeted. “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
Simone Biles Taught Marlon Humphrey Something About Sportsmanship Following His Criticism
Simone Biles responded to Marlon Humphrey’s flak with grace, stating she was simply giving her competitor deserved praise.
“I think it’s all about sportsmanship, and we don’t care whether we win or lose,” she said on the ‘TODAY’ show this Tuesday (H/T the Daily Mail). “We’re always going to keep a good face and support our competitors because they’ve worked just as hard as we have for that moment.”
Humphrey later admitted to “getting cooked” online after his tweet went viral. The NFL star himself was subject to lots of criticism, with hordes of fans lashing out at him over the absurd take. Michelle Obama was hardly the only person who found it in poor taste.
“I’ve never had an athlete so close,” Biles added. “This definitely kept me alert and brought out the best athlete in me. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her.
“I’ve never been so stressed before. Thank you, Rebeca.”
