Social Media Frenzy: How Simone Biles Became the Center of a Misinformation Storm
In the days following the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, social media exploded with rumors and controversy. One of the most viral claims? That Olympic gymnast
Simone Biles had written a scathing blog post mocking Kirk after his death—a story that quickly took on a life of its own across Facebook and Twitter.
But here’s the real story:
the blog post never existed. The rumor was fueled by AI-generated text and fake screenshots, exploiting Biles’ past public conflict with Kirk and the heightened emotions surrounding his death. Trusted outlets and fact-checkers have confirmed that Biles did not author any such post, and the entire episode is a textbook case of social media manipulation.
The Roots of the Rumor: AI, Old Feuds, and Viral Outrage
The false claim originated from a fabricated Facebook post, which alleged that Biles had written a dramatic blog about Kirk after his assassination. The story spread rapidly, with many users believing it was real due to their knowledge of Kirk’s previous criticism of Biles during the 2021 Olympics, when he publicly questioned her decision to withdraw from events for mental health reasons.
This context made the hoax more believable for some, but reputable sources—including Reuters and BBC—have found no evidence of any such blog post from Biles. The episode highlights the growing problem of AI-generated misinformation and the ease with which false narratives can hijack public discourse.
Turning Point USA’s Response and the Aftermath
While the fake Biles blog dominated headlines, the real news was unfolding at Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded. Following his assassination, the board unanimously elected
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, as CEO and Board Chair. The organization vowed to continue its conservative mission, even as Tyler Robinson faces murder charges in the September 10 shooting that stunned political activists nationwide.
Erika Kirk has shared emotional tributes to her late husband, recalling their early days together and his passion for basketball. The memorial service for Kirk is set to be a major event, with supporters describing it as a moment of unity and reflection on his controversial legacy.
What This Means for Simone Biles—and Social Media Accountability
For Biles, the incident is another example of how public figures can be targeted by online abuse and misinformation. Since 2021, she has faced criticism for prioritizing her mental and physical health, and being dragged into a fabricated story about Kirk only adds to the unfair scrutiny.
The viral hoax serves as a stark reminder:
always verify breaking news from trusted sources. Screenshots and viral posts can be easily faked, especially with advances in AI text generation. The episode underscores the urgent need for platforms like Facebook to address misinformation and protect individuals from reputational harm.
Actionable Takeaways
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Fact-check before sharing: Don’t trust viral posts without proof, especially when they concern sensitive events or public figures.
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Support media literacy: Encourage friends and family to seek news from reputable outlets, not just social media feeds.
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Hold platforms accountable: Demand better tools and policies from tech companies to combat AI-generated misinformation.
Sources
1. Truth Behind Simone Biles Blog Post 'Mocking Charlie Kirk'
2. simone biles blog on charlie kirk: Latest News & Videos, Photos about simone biles blog on charlie kirk | The Economic Times - Page 1
3. Did Simone Biles Publish Blog On Charlie Kirk After His Assassination? Here's The Truth
4. Did Simone Biles really write about Charlie Kirk?: Did Simone Biles really write a blog post about Charlie Kirk? Unpacking misinformation and media manipulation - The Economic Times
5. Did Simone Biles really write a blog post about Charlie Kirk? Unpacking misinformation and media manipulat
6. did simone biles really write about charlie kirk
7. Did Simone Biles Really Mock Charlie Kirk After His Death? Fact ...
8. Fact Check: Simone Biles Did NOT Write a Blog Post About Charlie ...
9. What Did Charlie Kirk Say About Simone Biles in 2021? The Story ...
10. Simone Biles And Charlie Kirk: Controversy And Discussion
