Simone Biles is finding out that transparency comes with a steep price. After the gymnastics legend posted a TikTok breakdown of her $23,000 red carpet glam bill, critics are calling her out-of-touch.

The news drew criticism from a NewsNation reporter and sparked a heated discussion on social media. The controversy arose after Biles posted a TikTok video earlier this week questioning if the rising costs of celebrity glam squads have become “normal.”

Her comments quickly went viral online and elicited mixed reactions from fans, critics, and media personalities.

Simone Biles looked visibly stunned in the video as she broke down how much it cost to appear on a recent red carpet.

She said that after adding up the costs for her stylist, makeup artists, hairstylists, and other fashion-related expenses, the total amount came out to approximately $22,000 to $23,000.

“We need to have a discussion,” Biles said in the clip. “I just need to know if this is normal.”

The seven-time Olympic medalist said inflation and rising prices were understandable but admitted the total left her “spiraling.” She joked that fans might never see her at another event if those costs were now the norm in celebrity culture.

But the comments weren’t received well by all. NewsNation reporter Ashley Banfield blasted Biles in a televised segment, saying the gymnast came off as out of touch with the everyday workers trying to make a living in the beauty and fashion business.

“How dare those makeup artists and hairstylists try to make a living,” Banfield said sarcastically. “How dare they charge Simone Biles so much money? Don’t they know who she is?”

The comments fueled an already growing online conversation. Some social media users defended Biles, saying celebrity styling expenses have become excessive and unrealistic, even for wealthy public figures.

Others said luxury services command premium prices, especially for high-profile events.

Debate Grows Over Celebrity Glam Culture and Rising Costs as Simone Biles faces Backlash

The viral moment also has opened up a wider debate about the economics of celebrity appearances. Red carpet events often require entire teams to work on styling, tailoring, makeup, hair prep, and coordination with luxury brands.

A number of users online commented that stars often pay for convenience, exclusivity, and last-minute scheduling. Others wondered if celebrities truly understand the price they pay for a polished public image.

Biles has not directly responded to Banfield’s criticism. But her TikTok continues to grow in popularity online as fans discuss whether her reaction was sticker shock, privilege, or a reality many celebrities quietly deal with behind the scenes.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi