Report Under Fire for Portraying Simone Biles as 'Villain' to Birth Mother

The Paris Olympics brought plenty of attention and accolades for Simone Biles as she became one of the most decorated American Olympians of all time.

But the Summer Games also led to scrutiny over her family background, which intensified when Biles' birth mother spoke out recently. Shannon Biles spoke out to the Daily Mail about her estrangement from the 27-year-old gymnastics star, saying she hoped to one day establish a relationship.

The outlet shared the story on X along with a caption claiming that Biles "flaunts her Birkins, Range Rover and Texas mansion - but the $25million Olympic gymnast has given no hand outs to her penniless birth mom who works as a cashier to make ends meet."

Biles and her siblings were placed in foster care as her mother faced challenges with substance abuse. Biles and a sister were later adopted and raised by her grandparents.

The Daily Mail's post drew strong pushback, earning a note calling out the mischaracterization.

"Her Mom abandoned her. Source: Literally You," the note read.

Others took aim at the outlet for portraying Biles as a "villain" when she was raised by her grandparents and had no opportunity for a relationship with her mother after she was adopted.

Related: Simone Biles' Birth Mom Reveals Honest Truth About Her Adoption

"Simone Biles has no relationship with her birth mother, who abandoned her as a child," one post on X read. "She grew up in poverty and was raised by her grandparents. She's worked hard for everything she has, whether it's a nice bag, car, or house. Why purposely paint her as a villain?"