In a TikTok posted on April 27, Simone Biles spoke about the high cost of her red carpet glam.
“We need to have a discussion,” she said. “If you’re a celebrity, an athlete, an influencer, these questions are for you … I just need to know if this is normal. I know going outside is expensive as f—k these days, but like is it this expensive, ok?”
She went on to explain that she attended a red carpet event. Between her stylist, and the hair and makeup team, the grand total was about $23,000.
“I just want to know, is that f—king normal?” she continued. “I get inflation. I get prices these days have gone up. But if that’s the new norm, y’all can have it. Y’all will never see me at another event. I’m going to sit my ass right here where it’s free.”
She continued, “I’ve been kind of spiraling since then … There’s no way you are paying these prices each and every time.”
One comment on the athlete’s TikTok said, “That’s insane. I also feel like you have absolutely amazing style and don’t even need a stylist. You could pick out your own stuff. It will look stunning.” Biles replied to them, saying, “So so sweet … BUT the internet will disagree with you. They be on my ass tearing me apart.”
Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. She also became an advocate for mental health after withdrawing from the Olympics for her own well-being. “We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too,” Biles told the The Associated Press in 2021. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”