Rob Schneider praises Riley Gaines as ‘American hero’ after fued with Simone Biles over trans athletes

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Rob Schneider has stepped into the ongoing public feud between gymnast Simone Biles and former college swimmer Riley Gaines, publicly praising Gaines for what he called her defense of fairness in women’s sports.

Schneider, best known for his roles in Adam Sandler comedies and his vocal support of conservative causes, took to social media early Friday, June 13, to express admiration for Gaines amid the national debate over transgender athlete participation, reports Outkick.

Rob Schneider calls Riley Gaines ‘an American hero’

“I am proud to call Riley Gaines my biological female friend,” Rob Schneider posted on X (formerly Twitter). “And an American hero of all girls everywhere!” His comments come as conservative voices continue to rally around Gaines, who has become a prominent figure opposing the inclusion of transgender women in female sports competitions.

The controversy began earlier this week when Gaines criticized a transgender athlete's participation in a Minnesota high school softball championship, referring to the player as “a boy” and accusing the team of “hijacking” the title.

Gaines' post quickly went viral, drawing both support and backlash.

Among the loudest critics was Olympic legend Simone Biles, who responded sharply on social media, calling Gaines “truly sick” and “a sore loser,” referencing Gaines’ past tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the NCAA Championships.

Simone Biles apologizes for personal attack on Riley Gaines

Simone Biles has issued an apology after making personal comments about Riley Gaines during a tense online back-and-forth over the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.

“It didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley,” she wrote. “These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.”

Simone Biles, known for championing mental health and athlete well-being, fired back during the online exchange saying, “You’re truly sick. All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.”

Her comments didn’t stop there — she went on to accuse Riley Gaines of “bullying” and proposed that sports organizations consider forming a separate transgender division to ensure inclusion without undermining fairness.

Internet reacts after Rob Schneider sides with Riley Gaines in Simone Biles controversy

Actor Rob Schneider has ignited a fresh wave of online debate after publicly voicing support for swimmer Riley Gaines amid her ongoing controversy involving Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. 

Supporters of Gaines flooded social media with messages of admiration, celebrating her as a symbol of resilience and traditional athletic values.

One user wrote, “@Riley_Gaines_ standing up for yourself is natural, standing by your values despite a world shouting at you that you are wrong. Priceless! Proud of you!!”

Another added, “Riley Gaines saved women's sports.”

Several praised her as a strong female leader, “She's an amazing role model for women everywhere.”

“She's in my top ten women in leadership,” one commented.

Many applauded Schneider for backing her, with one user writing, “A real woman thank you! @Riley_Gaines_”

Another applauded, “She is definitely a hero!!!”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.