Joy Behar sparked a social media storm in the U.S. when she openly criticized Simone Biles on live television for what she deemed an ill-considered action that undermined the image of American strength at the 2024 Olympics.

During the broadcast, Behar harshly criticized Biles for bowing her head after losing to Brazilian competitor Rebeca Andrade.

She called it “a disgrace to America,” emphasizing that an athlete of Biles’ stature should not show weakness before a rival nation. Behar’s remarks quickly went viral across social media platforms, igniting fierce debates among fans and the media.

Many people defended Biles, arguing that she had demonstrated sportsmanship and humility in acknowledging a worthy opponent.

However, some agreed with Behar, believing that Biles had failed to uphold the resilient image expected of a world-class sports star. Biles’ bowing gesture reportedly took place in a highly emotional moment after a tough competition with Andrade.

Despite this, Behar’s decision to publicly condemn Biles on live television has fueled intense discussions about how top athletes should present themselves in the eyes of the public and their nation.