Simone Biles Seeks Police Action Following Harassment Over Nassar And Owens

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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The Nature of the Harassment Simone Biles Faced

Simone Biles has been subjected to a barrage of online harassment, including cyberbullying, death threats, and hateful messages. This social media abuse constitutes a serious violation, extending beyond simple online trolling. The volume and intensity of these attacks have significantly impacted Biles' mental health, underscoring the devastating consequences of unchecked online hate.

• Death threats: Biles received direct threats to her life, causing fear and anxiety.
• Hateful messages: A flood of abusive and derogatory messages targeted her character and her advocacy work.
• Doxxing attempts: There were attempts to publicly release her personal information, putting her safety at risk.
• Victim blaming: Many messages attempted to shift the blame for Nassar's abuse away from the perpetrator and onto the victims, including Biles herself.

The harassment is directly linked to Biles' outspoken stance on the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal and her criticism of Rachel Owens. This clearly demonstrates how speaking out against abuse can expose individuals to significant online risks. Social media platforms, unfortunately, often provide fertile ground for this kind of hate speech to spread rapidly and unchecked.

Simone Biles' Decision to Seek Police Intervention

Biles' decision to involve law enforcement represents a powerful and necessary step towards accountability. By filing a police report, she is taking concrete legal action to pursue justice for the online abuse she endured. This signifies a significant escalation, signaling her determination to hold the perpetrators responsible for their actions.

• Accountability: Biles seeks to hold those responsible for the harassment accountable for their actions.
• Legal Ramifications: The individuals involved could face criminal charges, depending on the specifics of the investigation.
• Public Statements: Although specific details might remain confidential, Biles' representatives have likely released statements emphasizing her commitment to pursuing justice.
• Safety and Wellbeing: Biles is actively taking steps to protect her safety and mental well-being, demonstrating the severe toll this online harassment has taken.

The Broader Context: Athlete Advocacy and Online Abuse

Simone Biles' experience unfortunately reflects a wider problem: the pervasive online harassment faced by athletes, especially those who speak out against injustice or abuse. This alarming trend silences survivors and discourages others from coming forward.

• Prevalence of Online Harassment: Athletes who speak out about issues like abuse, discrimination, or systemic problems often become targets for online hate.
• Social Media Responsibility: Social media companies bear significant responsibility for failing to adequately address and prevent the spread of hate speech and online bullying on their platforms.
• Impact of Biles' Actions: Biles' actions could significantly impact future athlete advocacy. Her courageous stand may encourage other athletes to speak out without fear of reprisal.
• Need for Stronger Measures: We desperately need stronger legal frameworks and platform policies to protect athletes and hold perpetrators of online harassment accountable.

The Nassar and Owens Context

Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, sexually abused hundreds of young gymnasts over many years. Rachel Owens, a former gymnast, has been a controversial figure in the aftermath of the Nassar scandal, with her actions and statements drawing criticism from many survivors, including Simone Biles. Biles' public criticism of Owens fueled much of the subsequent harassment directed toward her. This context is crucial to understanding the intensity and nature of the online attacks Biles endured.

Conclusion

Simone Biles' brave decision to seek police action following relentless harassment underscores the serious issue of online abuse faced by athletes who dare to speak out against injustice. This action highlights the urgent need for increased online safety measures and serves as a powerful example of resilience and a call for accountability. The case brings the critical conversation of athlete safety and social media responsibility to the forefront, forcing us to confront the unacceptable levels of online harassment faced by those who bravely use their voices.

Call to Action: Let Simone Biles' courageous stand inspire us all to combat online harassment and support survivors of abuse. Learn more about how you can help protect athletes from online abuse and report incidents of harassment. Join the conversation and help create a safer online environment for athletes who speak out using #SimoneBiles #AthleteSafety #EndOnlineAbuse #SpeakOutAgainstAbuse.