Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum expressed profound disbelief and frustration upon discovering conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s inflammatory remarks about Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, calling her a “selfish sociopath” and a “shame to the country.” In a rare public statement that has resonated widely, Tatum’s response has struck a chord, highlighting the intersection of sports, mental health, and cultural commentary.
The controversy reignited on social media Thursday when clips of Kirk’s comments from 2021 resurfaced amid ongoing discussions about athlete well-being. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, had criticized Biles’ decision to withdraw from events at the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles, declaring, “We are raising a generation of weak people like Simone Biles.” The remarks, which drew immediate backlash at the time, appear to have been recirculated recently, prompting Tatum to weigh in with a powerful rebuttal.
Tatum, a three-time All-Star and key figure in the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship run, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his support for Biles. “Is it that hard to be supportive and empathetic to what others are going through? This is someone’s daughter and her health you’re referring to,” Tatum wrote in his post, which garnered over 67,000 likes and thousands of reposts. “Wonder if he has kids and how he would feel as a parent someone talking about his kids this way. Cause I’d be DAMNED. Simone is a hero!”
The statement, Tatum’s longest tweet to date, left fans and commentators in awe, with many praising the 26-year-old forward for using his platform to advocate for empathy. “Jayson Tatum sending his longest tweet ever to dunk on Charlie Kirk is why he’s the GOAT of all-time,” wrote NBA journalist Jackson Frank, echoing a sentiment shared across the platform. Others highlighted the irony of Tatum, known for his on-court dunks, metaphorically slamming Kirk’s views.
Kirk’s original comments, made during a 2021 broadcast, accused Biles of prioritizing her mental health over national pride, labeling her a “sociopath” and suggesting her actions exemplified societal weakness. The backlash was swift then, but the recent revival—possibly tied to broader conversations on mental health in sports—has amplified the debate. Tatum’s response underscores a growing divide between athletes championing vulnerability and critics who view it as a flaw.
In the NBA community, Tatum’s words have been celebrated as a stand against toxic rhetoric. “Jayson Tatum is 1000% correct! Charlie Kirk is a straight up bitch,” posted one fan, while another noted, “Jayson Tatum shaming Charlie Kirk on the timeline has me happy as hell.” The Celtics star, who has been vocal about his faith and family values, emphasized parental perspective, asking Kirk to consider the human element behind public figures like Biles.
As the NBA season approaches, Tatum’s off-court impact continues to grow. His statement not only defends a fellow athlete but also challenges influential voices like Kirk to foster understanding rather than division. With Biles herself having returned stronger post-Tokyo, Tatum’s endorsement serves as a timely reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.
The exchange has sparked broader discussions on social media, with users debating the role of public figures in mental health advocacy. For now, Tatum’s hard-hitting words have solidified his reputation as both a hoops hero and a voice for compassion.
