Riley Gaines open to facing Simone Biles to discuss transgender athlete controversy head-on

Riley Gaines is open to the prospect of facing Simone Biles over a direct, face-to-face discussion on the issue of transgender athletes in women's sports, aiming to end the growing feud between the two. The clash began when Gaines made a mocking remark about the inclusion of a transgender girl on Champlin Park High School’s girls’ softball team, which had just won a state championship.

Biles called out Gaines for singling out individual athletes and accused her of campaigning against transgender athletes because of her personal experience losing to one in competition. The exchange elicited mixed reactions on social media.

The debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports has taken a new turn. On Sunday, June 8, Jillian Michaels called for a head-on discussion between Riley Gaines and Simone Biles. Michaels, who hosts the Keeping It Real podcast, tweeted an invitation to both Gaines and Biles, offering a neutral platform to discuss the issue openly.

“@Simone_Biles While many appreciate your opinion, maybe it's time to discuss the facts? If you are so confident, have the courage to debate @Riley_Gaines_ on this topic. Litigate this honestly and with integrity. I want to provide this forum. While I agree with @Riley_Gaines_ unilaterally, I am confident I can maintain a neutral stance to moderate this conversation,” Jullian Michaels tweeted.

Gaines responded:

“I'm in!”

Gaines has been a vocal advocate against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports ever since she tied for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Championships.

---

Jillian Michaels previously invited Simone Biles to talk on the issue

The spat between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines began on Saturday, June 7. Following Biles’ response to Gaines on social media, Jillian Michaels jumped in, advocating for a face-to-face debate on the issue.

Michaels invited Biles to appear on the Her Take podcast, which she co-hosts alongside Ana Kasparian, Amy Dangerfield, and Lindy Li.

“How about this – @Simone_Biles, why don’t you come on @hertake_podcast and debate this with us? I would honestly like to hear your side. It’s a very respectful environment. If you want people to see your point of view and hear your facts, come share them.”

On Sunday, June 9, Riley Gaines posted a detailed video response on Instagram, addressing all of Biles’ comments. In the video, Gaines criticized Biles for taking a stance that she believes compromises women’s safety, specifically, by supporting the inclusion of biological men in women’s locker rooms.