Fans Feel Bad For MyKayla Skinner Amid 'Disgusting' Online Bullying

Fans came in support of former USA gymnast MyKayla Skinner after she opened up about the recent online bullying she and her family had to endure.

Skinner was on the receiving end of heavy criticisms amid the Olympics after her previous comments about USA Gymnastics were brought back. To recall, Skinner was critical of the USA's women's gymnastics roster after the trials in June, noting that she felt "like the talent and the depth just isn't like what it used to be."

The former gymnast even questioned the work ethic of the athletes, saying that "a lot of girls don't work as hard."

After USA Gymnastics won gold in the team all-around event, Simone Biles appeared to take a shot at her former teammate with an Instagram Post. Many were quick to mention Skinner and mock her for her past comments.

In an Instagram video, Skinner detailed her harrowing experience with online bullying. She emphasized that the situation has led to "disgusting" threats of "physical harm" to herself, her husband and her daughter.

"If Simone truly believes that I called our team lazy and lacking talent and if that’s really how she feels, I am really heartbroken over it," Skinner added in the video.

"But not just heartbroken because it isn’t what I feel or even how I previously said, but because Simone’s latest post and others that followed it fueled another wave of hateful comments, DMs, articles and emails."

As mentioned, MyKayla Skinner's fans and followers quickly came to her defense and showed their support for her.

"Proud of you for apologizing when you did, staying quiet when you did, and now standing up for yourself. You’re the strongest person I know!" a fan wrote.

Another supporter exclaimed, "Enough is enough! This has gone way too far and makes me sad to see the bullying and harassment. As your friend I am here for you and will continue to stand up for you. I know you and how amazing you are. So proud of you!!!!"

A follower furthered, "Nobody deserves to have death threats made against them, especially for something they have recognized and apologized for. I’m proud of you for owning up to your words, apologizing, trying to push forward, and now standing up for your family and friends. Love you!"

Others called out Simone Biles for her actions that fueled the hate towards Skinner. A critic noted that she should have known better considering that she's an advocate of mental health.

"Love you friend. For someone who promotes how important mental health is, I have been sad to see how yours has not been taken into consideration. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and feelings validated, but hate is never the answer," the critic pointed out.

A social media user added, "Simone Biles can help turn this around. Let’s find the good in one another. Even when someone says or makes a mistake time to let it go. This has been really sad to see."

It remains to be seen how Biles and USA Gymnastics will respond to Skinner's revelation. Sure enough, though, online harassment has no room in the world of sports.

Related: Simone Biles Broke 13 Records During 2024 Olympics