As Mikayla Skinner continues to be embroiled in controversy on social media over past comments she made about the USA Gymnastics team, her husband is showing her support.
The retired gymnast, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has been at the center of controversy for her criticism of the current USA Gymnastics team, which she suggested has thin depth and a poor work ethic.
“Besides Simone [Biles]”I feel like the talent and depth is not what it used to be,” and “the girls just don’t have the work ethic,” Skinner said in a now-deleted YouTube video.
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On July 25, 2021, on the second day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Mikayla Skinner of the United States competed in the floor exercise in the women’s qualifying round. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In a video posted to Instagram, Skinner apologised for his earlier comments and called on Biles to “stop” what he called “cyberbullying”.
“I am tired of seeing people cheer on this bullying that has led to threats of physical harm against me, my husband and my daughter, so at this point, for the sake of my family, I would like to ask that it stop. So, I am here because about four weeks ago I made a comment about work ethic and what is happening to younger generations. I take 100% responsibility for not expressing what I was trying to say clearly. My last wish was to cause any harm or offense to the U.S. Olympic Team.” Skinner said in the video..
Simone Biles defends calling out former teammate: ‘It was just a moment in time’
“My family and friends do not deserve to be subjected to this attack. They have done nothing. So Simone, I ask you directly and publicly to please stop this. Ask your followers to stop too. You are an incredible advocate for mental health awareness and so many people need your help right now. We have been hurt and attacked in ways you never intended.”
Mikayla Skinner of the United States team competed in the women’s vault final on the ninth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on August 1, 2021. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Skinner’s husband, Jonas Harmer, later defended his wife in the video’s comments section.
“I am so proud of you for apologizing, for staying silent, and now for standing up for yourself,” Harmer wrote. “You are the strongest person I know!”
U.S. Team members Mikayla Skinner and Simone Biles pose for a photograph during women’s podium training for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on July 22, 2021. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
On July 30, Biles appeared to slam Skinner in a social media post after Team USA won the gold medal in the team all-around competition, calling her “lack of talent, laziness and an Olympic champion.” Biles captioned the post Instagram post.
In a recent interview Together with the people, Biles defended her slamming of her former teammate, saying it was her responsibility to “stand up” for the rest of her team.
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“This is important because we have to teach them to have a voice, and if they don’t, you’re a voice for the voiceless, and that’s okay,” Biles said. “I felt it was right at the time to stand up for them because they’re so young and they haven’t yet fully come into their own.”
“I think it meant a lot to me that someone stood up. [my teammates]” Biles added.
Biles wrote a new chapter in her illustrious career by winning three gold medals and one silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
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