All Elite Wrestling Star Draws Criticism For Simone Biles Reference

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All Elite Wrestling star 'Platinum' Max Caster received criticism on social media for referencing Olympic Gold medalist Simone Biles, among other insensitive topics, during Tuesday's (August 3) episode of AEW Dark.

Caster, a rapper both in and out of character, name-dropped the Team USA gymnast, stating, "make you claim mental health like Simone Biles," during his entrance alongside 'The Acclaimed' tag-team partner Anthony Bowens, referencing Biles' decision to withdraw from several Olympic events due to mental health concerns.

Caster then referenced the 2006 Duke Lacrosse scandal in which three members of the Duke University men's Lacrosse team were declared to have been falsely accused of rape by a Durham, North Carolina judge.

The 32-year-old then made multiple derogatory comments directed at Julia Hart, the 21-year-old manager of his opponents 'The Varsity Blondes' (Brian Pillman Jr. and Griff Garrison).

Caster also referred to his opponents as being "faker than a PCR test," which is used to diagnose COVID-19.

Numerous fans expressed outrage when the references were included in the initial YouTube post of AEW Dark on Tuesday, which marked the show's 100th episode.

AEW pulled its initial post and re-uploaded the show with Caster's entrance excluded from the broadcast.

The incident can be viewed in a separate video below. Viewer discretion is advised due to insensitive language.

Biles, who won Gold in the 2016 all-around competition, cited mental health concerns for her decision to withdraw from several events at the ongoing pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics last week.

"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health," USA Gymnastics said in a statement announcing her initial withdrawal from the team all-around competition last week. "We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."

Biles, who returned to competition to win the Bronze medal on the balance beam, revealed Tuesday (August 3) that her aunt "unexpectedly" died after the Olympic Games were already underway.

"Two days ago my aunt unexpectedly passed, and that was something I wasn't expecting to happen at the Olympic Games either, so at the end of the day, you have to be a little bit more mindful of what you say online, because you have no idea of what these athletes are going through as well as (in) their sports," Biles said via CNN.

The 24-year-old is the most decorated gymnast in history, having won 27 Gold medals among 37 total between the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pacific Rim Championships and FIG All-Around World Cup.


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