There are 2 sides to every story. Isn’t that how the idiom goes? However, in this day and age, many often opt for taking in information as the cold, hard truth. Unfortunately, Simone Biles is going through something similar. The gymnast closed off a successful third stint at the French capital and is currently busy with her Gold Over America Tour. However, after years of giving her all to the sport, it’s no surprise that she’s racked up a staggering net worth through brand-deal appearances and more. 

So, what seems to be the issue, you ask? Rumor has it that the most decorated gymnast used the student loan forgiveness program to relieve her sum of $44,000. Even though the Olympian had a rather humble upbringing, many believe this isn’t the case anymore. Seeing how she is a household name, it is unfathomable that she would need a program like this due to her financial standing. After finding herself in the eye of the storm, the 27-year-old decided to end the speculation with a cryptic message.

“y’all really need to stop believing everything you read on the internet,” Simone Biles stated on X. The debate of whether this was fair or unfair has been making the rounds lately. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, backed her up by retweeting her post with four double exclamation points. Some strongly believe that the gymnast shouldn’t have been eligible for the program. One name that stands out is Roseanne Barr, who asked, “Why are we giving taxpayer funds to millionaires?” This does lead to the question of whether the Olympian should have accepted it.

However, a coin has two sides, just like this debate. While a few were left aghast by this revelation, some believe the 27-year-old is entitled to this program just like everyone else. But before we move any further, what is a student loan forgiveness program? The U.S. government decided to design an initiative that acts as an aid for eligible borrowers. But there’s a catch. The forgiveness depends on several factors like employment, time taken to repay said loans, type of loans, and more.

Keeping this in mind, the argument that Simone Biles is eligible for the program is indeed valid. On the other hand, given the gymnast’s response, the debate might not be as plausible. The 11x Olympic gymnast has garnered several fans throughout her illustrious career. How? By sharing bits of her life from on and off the mat. So, how do they feel about her response?

The gymnastics community rallied behind Simone Biles amid speculation

The rumor had been floating about for quite some time before the 11x Olympic medalist decided to step in. However, this isn’t something out of the ordinary. The gymnast is often known for her fierce clapbacks, and this would be one of them. Many fans weren’t privy to the ongoing spectacle. But as soon as the 27-year-old put out her cryptic post, several swarmed to back her up.

One fan exclaimed, “i don’t know what this is about but i just wish people would leave you alone!!” This fan wasn’t going to let an internet rumor change her perception of the G.O.A.T. Another fan agreed, “So true! I wish we didn’t need to say this but here we are!” Simone Biles has previously faced the ire in several situations. One of them was when she was labeled a quitter for bowing out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

A fan echoed the G.O.A.T.’s statement, “Especially on X— I mean, Truth Social 2.0 😭” Just because we read something online doesn’t exactly mean it’s the truth, right? Another fan reiterated, “Only words we believe are the ones coming from you!” The gymnast has always been open about several aspects of her life. In fact, there was a time when the Olympian would share every thought she had on the internet. So, we understand why this fan would take the speculation with a pinch of salt. 

One fan chimed in, “Kinda wild how some people don’t ask any questions! Just read and believe! 🤐” This is exactly what the gymnast shone a light on. It has become easier for us to take in information because of the internet. However, many have been notorious for taking it as facts and moving on. Before Simone Biles posted her message, all the pitchforks were drawn out. But will this statement change anything? Or will the speculation continue?