Famous gymnast Simone Biles has responded to remarks regarding her hair. In a series of Instagram Stories posts, the Olympic medallist expressed that she was feeling the heat and explicitly begged people not to worry about her hair, given that she was riding on a bus without air conditioning.
According to Reuters, a severe heat wave that hit Paris and most of France forced changes to be made to the Olympic schedule for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. With temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 on Tuesday), athletes are getting additional rest and water breaks.
Amid the current Paris heatwave, the 27-year-old shared a video of herself and other Olympians riding a 45-minute bus while trying to stay cool with a handheld fan.
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She posted the video, in which her hair is tied back into a ponytail, with the remark, “Don’t come for me about my hair. IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,000 degrees.”
She shared another photo of herself smiling with her eyes closed in her blank tank top, reminding people that it’s never good to comment on someone’s hair, reiterating “gonna hold your hand when I say this, next time you want to comment on a Black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T.”
Over the years, Biles — who holds the record for most gymnast awards in history — has encountered some hurtful remarks regarding her hair.
She told Elle in an interview, “I understand and realize I have to take care of my physical appearance as well as my mental.”
“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” she said. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
“Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate. I don’t really care if my edges aren’t smooth,” the Olympian added.
Biles’ comments stem from previous backlash from online fans. One said, “I love Simone biles down but sissy why didn’t you gel up/pin up your hair like you’re at the Olympics? I know something like hair doesn’t matter when you’re #1 but damn.” Another netizen wrote, “Simone Biles is an undeniable talent. But at this point, I have to believe her messy hair is A CHOICE. All the gymnasts are doing flips & spins but she’s literally the only person, black or otherwise, I’ve seen on my screen looking a mess. It’s upsetting me and my home girls!”
