Podcast hosts clamored for the chance to host a debate between former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles after an X spat — over boys competing on girls’ sports teams — between the two elite athletes blew up on Friday.
Jillian Michaels first challenged Biles to come and debate the topic on the “Her Take” podcast. “How bout this – @Simone_Biles why don’t you come on @hertake_podcast and debate this with us,” she said. “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.”
@JillianMichaels please allow me to join that debate. As a former gymnast (natl team) and whistle blower on abuse in the sport, I’d have a lot to discuss with @Simone_Biles
— Jennifer Sey (@JenniferSey) June 7, 2025
XX-XY Athletics founder and CEO Jennifer Sey — also a former elite gymnast herself — asked to be included in the conversation, adding, “As a former gymnast (natl team) and whistle blower on abuse in the sport, I’d have a lot to discuss with @Simone_Biles.”
Michaels — who also hosts the “Keeping it Real” podcast — later challenged Biles to debate Gaines directly, saying that while she personally agreed with the former NCAA swimmer, she would offer a neutral venue in which the two could present their arguments.
Gift Dad an All Access Membership. Use code DAD40 at checkout to save 40%!
“@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.”
. @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…
— Jillian Michaels (@JillianMichaels) June 7, 2025
Michaels was not the only one who called for Biles to debate Gaines, who now also hosts Outkick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast.
“Dear @Simone_Biles, I would like to suggest that, rather than being petty and nasty by insulting @Riley_Gaines_ physical appearance, the two of you sit down together and respectfully debate the topic of trans identified males in women’s sports,” one posted. “If your position has merit, surely you can explain why and defend it without being mean, right? If truth and justice are on your side, it should be easy to defend them in a one-on-one discussion. If this prospect scares you, please consider the possibility that maybe you’re deferring to grade school insults because deep down you know you don’t actually have a valid defense of your misogynistic position. Sincerely, A former fan who’s secretly hoping you’ll see the light.”
Dear @Simone_Biles ,
I would like to suggest that, rather than being petty and nasty by insulting @Riley_Gaines_ physical appearance, the two of you sit down together and respectfully debate the topic of trans identified males in women’s sports.
If your position has merit,…
— Kaeley Triller (@KaeleyT) June 7, 2025
Tennis great Martina Navratilova, who has been an outspoken advocate for women in sports, did not suggest a debate between Biles and Gaines, but offered to have a conversation with the gymnast herself on the topic. “Hey Simone- we met last year at the US open. Not sure you remember. But anyway — I would love to talk to you about this … pretty sure there is more to it than you know at this time … Respectfully, Martina,” she said.
Hey Simone- we met last year at the US open. Not sure you remember.
But anyway- I would love to talk to you about this… pretty sure there is more to it than you know at this time…
Respectfully, Martina.— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 7, 2025
Podcast host Michele Tafoya quickly offered a platform to host that conversation as well. “I would love to moderate this conversation. @Martina and @Simone_Biles — name the time and date,” she said.
Any time…
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 7, 2025
“Any time …” Navratilova replied.
The spat began when Gaines shared a photo of the girls softball team from Champlin Park, who won their AAAA state title after their male star player pitched a shut-out.
“Comments off, lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy,” Gaines said.
Biles responded with a series of personal insults directed at Gaines, saying, “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”
This is actually so disappointing. It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces.
You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform.
Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I say that with my full chest.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 6, 2025
“This is actually so disappointing. It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform. Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I say that with my full chest,” Gaines replied.