Simone Biles Photos and News Update: Biles Family Says Racist Remark by Carlotta Ferlito was 'Very Insulting'
The parents of Simone Biles, the first Black woman to win a world all-around title, have spoken out after she became victim of racial comments.
"I found it very insulting. The racial comment was really out of line" Biles' father, Ron, told USA Today.
Biles' mother, Nellie, also said she had to remind her daughter to enjoy her moment and not get caught up with any negativity.
"It did bother her," Nellie said. "I told her, 'Don't get roped into this' and, 'Don't let those comments ruin this moment for you. Just be proud of your performance and outcome.' People are entitled to their opinion. For her to go into this racism stuff is pointless, and she's not going to address it."
After Biles won the bronze medal for the balance beam segment of the world competition, one of her competitors, Carlotta Ferlito from Italy (who placed fifth) revealed her thoughts.
During an interview she said, " I told (my teammate Vanessa Ferrari--who placed fourth) that next time we should also paint our skin black so then we can win, too."
Ron Biles also said the comments simply didn't make sense. ""Normally it's not in her favor being black, at least not in the world that I live in."
Since the incident, Ferlito took to her Twitter to apologize.
"I want to apologize with the Americans girls. I didn't want to sound rude or racist. I love Simone and I'm a huge fan of USA gymnastics. I've made a mistake, I'm not perfect ... I didn't think about what I was saying. I'm just a human. I'm so so sorry."
