Michelle Obama has come to the defense of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after NFL player Marlon Humphrey labeled both gymnasts as ‘disgusting’ for showing respect to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade at the Olympics.
Following Biles and Chiles’ gesture on the podium after securing second and third places in the floor exercise final on Monday, Humphrey, a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, tweeted a photo of the moment and remarked: ‘This is literally disgusting.’
However, it seems Michelle has responded to the viral moment, sharing on X just a day after Humphrey’s comment: ‘I still cherish this beautiful representation of sisterhood and sportsmanship!’
‘You can truly feel the love emanating from these ladies,’ she added. ‘Congratulations Rebeca, Jordan, and Simone!’
Humphrey faced backlash on social media, as users pointed out Andrade’s struggles with injuries and her friendship with Biles and Chiles.
Michelle Obama defended Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after NFL star Marlon Humphrey called them ‘disgusting’ for bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade
Humphrey later regretted his post on X, admitting he was ‘getting cussed out in Brazilian’
‘Yeah, because giving someone their flowers who has come back from THREE ACL tears to continue being a top gymnast is disgusting,’ replied one user on X to Humphrey’s comment.
Another chimed in: ‘God forbid athletes show respect to a fellow athlete who has endured multiple torn ACLs.’
A third individual challenged Humphrey to first ‘reach a final and win something. Then you can speak.’
‘This is genuinely beautiful,’ another user pointed out, in stark contrast to Humphrey’s remarks.
Humphrey seemed to have reflection on his words later when he shared that he was feeling the backlash from Brazilian fans on the platform, admitting he forgot Portuguese is the language spoken in Brazil.
‘I’m lowkey getting roasted right now. I think I’m getting cussed out in Brazilian on Instagram lol,’ Humphrey noted a few hours after his initial reaction to the trio of Biles, Chiles, and Andrade.
In response to Michelle’s post on X, a fan remarked on the trio’s display of unity on the podium: ‘There’s much we can learn from this.’
‘It was truly beautiful,’ another user agreed. ‘This is why we adore sports and why the Olympics exist. Rebeca, Simone, and Jordan, you three are true queens.’
Yet another comment on X stated: ‘Competition, unity, and respect. Olympics!’
Biles concluded the 2024 Olympics with four medals, three of which were gold, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11. Together with Chiles, she won gold in the women’s artistic team all-around final.
