fbpx

‘It’s Not Going to Disappear’: Christian Gymnast Simone Biles Speaks Out About Surviving Sexual Abuse

Photo from Simone Biles Instagram

‘It’s Not Going to Disappear’: Christian Gymnast Simone Biles Speaks Out About Surviving Sexual Abuse

By Movieguide® Staff

As Olympic gymnast Simone Biles prepares to compete in the upcoming Tokyo Games, the 24-year-old also opened up about her trauma as a sexual abuse survivor.

Biles previously came forward with other gymnasts to testify against former Team USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and his long history of predatory sexual abuse.

According to Insider, Biles is the only survivor to have come forward publicly still competing in gymnastics today.

“I’m still here, so it’s not going to disappear – we have power behind it,” Biles told Glamour. “I try not to think about it because I can’t afford to – if I let them rule me, then they’re winning.”

Part of her commitment to the sport lies in her belief that it’s her God-given talent that she wants to steward.

“I guess I loved the freedom of the sport. There was no right or wrongs that you could do. You didn’t have to have one particular body type. You made everything mold into what you were born with. I think God gives every individual something special and mine was talent,” Biles added. “So to never take it for granted, which my dad always told me don’t waste God’s gift that He gave you. Because it’s like it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. One day I’ll be too old to do gymnastics. So for now I have to use it to the best of my ability,” Biles previously said.

In 2019, Biles and fellow gymnasts detailed the abuse they experienced. Nassar received a life sentence on charges of child pornography and sexual misconduct. Biles was one of 150 girls who confirmed his sexually abusive behavior.

The extent of Nassar’s abuse and bravery of the gymnasts who stepped forward are highlighted in the award-winning Netflix documentary, ATHLETE A.

A portion of Movieguide®’s review of ATHLETE A reads:

ATHLETE A is a striking documentary uncovering the sexual abuse of female gymnasts by Dr. Larry Nassar. ATHLETE A is a testimony to justice, integrity, and the tragic consequences of the abuse of power and selfish ambition. It highlights the courage of the survivors to speak out against the abusive culture in the USA Gymnastics organization. Although ATHLETE A has a strong moral worldview exposing and opposing a horrible form of child abuse, MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution because of the graphic descriptions of abuse.

Biles previously blasted USA Gymnastics for turning a blind eye to Nassar. After a congressional investigation, reports found that the organization “knowingly concealed” Nassar’s actions.

Since Biles’ public testimony in 2019, the gymnast continues to be a voice for change within USA Gymnastics.

“Since I’m still here and I have quite a social media presence and platform, they have to do something,” Biles told Hoda Kotb on the Today show in April. “So I feel like, coming back, gymnastics just wasn’t the only purpose I was supposed to do. … I don’t think I knew [that was part of my reason], either, but I feel like gymnastics wasn’t the only thing I was supposed to come back for.”

“I just feel like [with] everything that happened, I had to come back to the sport to be a voice, to have change happen,” Biles added. “Because I feel like if there weren’t a remaining survivor in the sport, they would’ve just brushed it to the side.”

Now, she’s using her platform to honor God and stand up for other victims.

“I was taught that you can go to Him for anything and he’s the One that directs your life. She would always tell you if you don’t know, leave it up to God. Pray to Him about it,” Biles said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.