MyKayla Skinner Begs Simone Biles to End Bullying: "I've Received Death Threats

Former Team USA gymnast MyKayla Skinner has pleaded with Simone Biles to intervene and call off the alleged bullying she's received after her comments about the current generation of gymnasts. Skinner has revealed she's faced "death threats" due to the perceived rivalry with Biles.

In a heartfelt video message, MyKayla Skinner, a former Team USA gymnast who earned a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has made an impassioned plea to Simone Biles, requesting her assistance in putting an end to the relentless bullying she has endured. Skinner expressed her dismay over the negative treatment she's received, including "death threats," as a result of an assumed rivalry with the 11-time medalist.

"I sincerely hoped that this topic wouldn’t need to be revisited, but unfortunately, things have really gotten out of hand lately," Skinner said in her video. "And it’s one thing to disagree with me regarding something I have said or a point I was trying to make, but it’s something else entirely when that turns into cyberbullying or even worse."

MyKayla Skinner Begs Simone Biles to End Bullying: "I've Received Death Threats

Skinner's appeal comes in the wake of comments she made about the work ethic of the current generation of gymnasts, which were met with criticism from the Team USA women's gymnastics squad. She acknowledged that her remarks were poorly articulated, but emphasized that her intention was not to offend her former teammates or cause any harm.

"I know these women are incredible — the very best of the best — and almost all of them are my former teammates, who I have enjoyed very much cheering on the last few years," she stated.

MyKayla Skinner Begs Simone Biles to End Bullying: "I've Received Death Threats

However, Skinner's apology did not deter Biles and her teammates from using her comments as motivation as they secured a team final victory at the Paris Games. Biles subsequently posted a photo on Instagram featuring herself and her teammates celebrating their triumph, accompanied by a caption that criticized Skinner's comments.

"Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions," Biles wrote.

MyKayla Skinner Begs Simone Biles to End Bullying: "I've Received Death Threats

Skinner expressed her disappointment over what she perceived as a rekindling of the animosity, noting that she believed she had previously made amends with Biles. She also highlighted the hurtful impact the online harassment has had on her family.

"My family and my friends don’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire here. They’ve done nothing," Skinner said.

In her video, Skinner directly appealed to Biles, asking her to intervene and appeal to her followers to cease the bullying. She highlighted Biles' role as a champion for mental health awareness, emphasizing the need for her support in this situation.

"To Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop. You have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness, and a lot of people need your help now. We’ve been attacked in ways that I’m certain you never intended. Your performance, the team’s performance and the Olympics in general should be a time that we support one another."

Skinner's plea reflects the importance of addressing cyberbullying and the need for public figures to use their platforms responsibly. Her request for Biles' intervention highlights the potential for influencers to make a positive impact and create a more supportive environment for athletes.