The deputy attorney general in Texas has apologized for calling gymnast Simone Biles a “national embarrassment” after she withdrew from Olympic competitions this week, citing her mental health.
Aaron Reitz, the deputy attorney general for Texas’ legal strategy, tweeted a clip Tuesday comparing retired Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug to Biles, who he described as “selfish, childish national embarrassment.”
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Strug, who famously landed a one-foot vault with a broken ankle in the 1996 Olympics, tweeted her support for Biles and her decision to withdraw this week.
Reitz deleted the tweet hours later after uproar on social media and condemnation from his boss, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Reitz walked back his statements Wednesday, saying he owed Biles a “big” apology.
“In a moment of frustration and disappointment, I opined on subjects for which I am not adequately versed. That was an error,” Reitz’s statement read. “I can’t imagine what Simone Biles has gone through. Simone Biles is a true patriot and one of the greatest gymnasts of our time. I apologize to her, and wish her well.”
Reitz also noted that his comments did not reflect his boss or the attorney general’s office.
“Today I learned about a very inappropriate and insensitive tweet by one of our employees,” attorney general Paxton tweeted, adding he would address the matter internally.
“I know Simone Biles - she is a fantastic athlete but an even better person,” Paxton continued. “Mental health is far more important than any athletic competition, and I fully support her decision.”
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