Simone Biles made headlines once again, this time for exposing a champagne scam at a Paris nightclub following the Olympics. The 27-year-old U.S. gymnastics star took to TikTok to share her experience of being charged a staggering $26,000 for a single bottle of champagne.
Biles recounted the incident, stating, “We had closing ceremonies at the Olympics. I went and after that we went out. You guys, this club tried to charge me $26,000 for a bottle of champagne. Like, are you insane?” She expressed disbelief at the audacity of the club to attempt such a blatant rip-off, emphasizing that she did not fall for the scheme.
The most decorated gymnast in history, Biles also touched upon the drawbacks of her immense fame, acknowledging that the constant attention she receives is not always ideal. She reflected, “And I don’t know, sometimes the attention, I’d rather not have it. I’d rather just be as normal as possible… I don’t know.”
Despite not disclosing the specific club where the incident occurred, Biles was previously seen at the popular Paris nightclub L’Arc with her sister Adria Biles. In a post on social media, she jokingly referred to the club as “The reason I’m unwell this morning.”
Biles’ successful performance at the Paris Olympics resulted in her bringing home three gold medals in the team, individual all-around, and vault events, along with a silver in floor exercise. Each silver medal earned her $23,000, while her gold medals garnered $38,000 each, totaling her earnings from medals alone to $137,000 from the Paris games.
However, Biles’ income extends far beyond her Olympic bonuses. In 2023, she was ranked as the ninth-highest earning female athlete in the world, reportedly making approximately $8.5 million before taxes and agent fees solely from endorsement deals.
Her impressive medal haul in Paris further solidified her status as one of the most successful gymnasts in history, with a total of 11 Olympic medals – the most of any American female gymnast. Her seven gold medals trail behind Larisa Latynina by only two, as Latynina holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals of all time with 9.
Throughout the competition, Biles showcased her unparalleled skill, even executing her famous Yurchenko double pike, also known as the “Biles II.” Despite dealing with a calf injury and being seen in a walking boot during the closing ceremony, she delivered exceptional performances that captivated audiences worldwide.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Biles expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the United States on the world stage. She shared her sentiments on social media, writing, “Such an honor. I haven’t found the right words to describe my Olympic experience, it’s been a whirlwind… but I do know, I’ll be forever grateful to represent the United States.”
Looking ahead to the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Biles remains uncertain about her participation, considering that she would be 31 at the time of the games. However, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility, stating, “Never say never. Next Olympics are at home. So you just never know. I am getting really old.”
As Biles continues to make waves in the world of gymnastics and beyond, her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans around the globe. From exposing a champagne scam in Paris to conquering the gymnastics world with grace and skill, Simone Biles’ legacy is one of resilience, excellence, and empowerment.