In the wake of MyKayla Skinner's controversial comments about the current US gymnastics team, her husband, Jonas Harmer, has come to her defense, expressing pride in her for standing up for herself and apologizing for her poorly articulated views.
While MyKayla Skinner remains embroiled in a social media feud over her previous comments about the US gymnastics team, her husband is showing his unwavering support. The retired gymnast, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has been at the center of controversy after she took aim at the current group of US gymnasts.
In a now-deleted YouTube video, Skinner suggested Team USA lacked depth and had a poor work ethic. "Besides Simone [Biles], I feel like the talent and the depth just isn't like what it used to be" and "the girls just don't have the work ethic," she stated.
MyKayla Skinner's Husband Defends Her Amidst Ongoing Feud with Simone Biles
Skinner's comments sparked outrage among fans and fellow gymnasts, prompting her to issue an apology via Instagram. In the video, she acknowledged that her words were poorly chosen and that she had no intention of causing harm or offense to the US Olympic team.
Skinner also called on Biles to publicly address the ongoing "cyberbullying" that she and her family have been subjected to. "Watching people cheer on the bullying which has led to threats of physical harm to me, my husband and our daughter is disgusting," she said.
MyKayla Skinner's Husband Defends Her Amidst Ongoing Feud with Simone Biles
MyKayla Skinner's apology sparked a response from Jonas Harmer, her husband. In the video's comments section, Harmer praised his wife for her resilience and strength. "Proud of you for apologizing when you did, staying quiet when you did, and now standing up for yourself," he wrote. "You’re the strongest person I know!"
The feud between Skinner and Biles took another turn when Biles appeared to hit back at Skinner's comments on social media. After Team USA earned gold in the team all-round competition, Biles shared an Instagram post captioned "Lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions."
MyKayla Skinner's Husband Defends Her Amidst Ongoing Feud with Simone Biles
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Biles defended her decision to call out her former teammate, arguing that it was her responsibility to "stand up" for the rest of the team. "It's important because you have to teach them to use their voices," Biles said. "I just felt like it was right in that moment to stand up for them, because they're so young and they haven't fully stood in their power yet."
Despite the ongoing feud, Skinner has received support from various corners, including her husband. Harmer's unwavering defense of his wife underscores the personal toll that the controversy has taken on Skinner and her family.
