Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has left her fans stunned after revealing the eye-watering cost of her red carpet styling. In a candid TikTok video posted this week, the 29-year-old Olympian admitted that she spent approximately $23,000 on hair, makeup, and a stylist for a recent high-profile event. The revelation has sparked a widespread debate about the financial demands of celebrity appearances and the pressure on stars to maintain a flawless public image.
In the video, Biles appears visibly shocked as she explains the breakdown of the costs. She hired a professional stylist, a hair team, and a makeup team, all of whom commanded significant fees. The total bill came to roughly $23,000, a figure that Biles described as “crazy.” She asked her followers directly: “I just need to know if this is normal. I know going out these days is damn expensive, but is it this expensive? Is this damn normal?” She went on to say that if this is the new standard, she would rather avoid events altogether. “You can keep that. You will not see me at any event anymore. I’m sitting here where it’s free. Since then, I’ve been a little shaken,” she said.
Biles did not specify which event prompted the expense, but she recently attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on April 20, where she walked the red carpet at the Cibeles Palace wearing a striking feathered minidress by Cong Tri. The dress itself was likely a loan or purchase, but the styling costs were separate and personally covered by Biles.
The TikTok post quickly amassed millions of views and thousands of comments, many expressing disbelief. “My jaw dropped at that number,” one user wrote. Another joked, “They call it SBST – Simone Biles Service Tax.” Some followers suggested that Biles, with her natural beauty and athletic physique, does not need a stylist at all. Biles responded to such comments by saying, “So sweet. I would love to show up in my Oh Polly, House of CB, or Club L London dress, trust me! But the Internet will disagree. They’re after me and they tear me apart.” She highlighted the intense scrutiny female celebrities face, especially regarding their fashion choices.
Biles’s experience reflects a broader trend in the entertainment and sports industries. Many celebrities spend tens of thousands of dollars per red carpet event to ensure they look perfect. Stylists often charge between $5,000 and $15,000 per event, while top hair and makeup artists can range from $3,000 to $8,000 each. For major awards shows like the Oscars or Met Gala, the combined styling budget can exceed $50,000. Even for athletes like Biles, who are primarily known for their sports, the expectation to appear glamorous at high-profile galas has become the norm.
Simone Biles: A Career of Excellence
Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, with a record 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her achievements include four Olympic gold medals from the 2016 Rio Games and two from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, despite facing the “twisties” – a mental block that affects spatial awareness. Her courage in prioritizing mental health during the Tokyo Games won her global admiration. Off the mat, Biles has become a prominent advocate for athletes’ rights, mental health awareness, and body positivity. She has also ventured into fashion and beauty, including collaborations with brands like Athleta and a signature nail polish line.
Her candidness about the cost of styling is consistent with her transparent personality. Biles has never shied away from discussing the pressures of fame, the financial aspects of her career, or the double standards faced by women in sports. In her TikTok video, she directly challenged the industry norm, asking if such expenditures are justifiable. Many fans agreed that the cost seems excessive, but others pointed out that top-tier expertise commands high fees, and for a high-profile event, the investment might be necessary to avoid negative press.
Public and Industry Reactions
The reaction to Biles’s video has been mixed. While many fans sympathized with her sticker shock, others accused her of being out of touch. Critics noted that $23,000 is a small fraction of Biles’s estimated net worth of over $10 million, and that many people earn less than that in an entire year. However, supporters argued that the issue is about value – not affordability. Biles is known to be frugal and has spoken about her financial prudence. She recently bought a house in Texas and has been building a life with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
Fellow celebrities and stylists also weighed in. Some stylists defended the pricing, explaining that red carpet preparation involves extensive coordination, fittings, and often travel. One top stylist, who asked to remain anonymous, told media that “for a global icon like Simone, $23,000 is actually on the lower end. Many A-list actresses spend double that.” Others, however, agreed that the industry has become inflated and that stars should feel empowered to push back.
The debate also highlighted a gender disparity: male athletes rarely face the same level of scrutiny or expense for red carpet appearances. While male stars may spend on a suit and basic grooming, women are expected to have elaborate hair, makeup, and designer gowns. Biles’s video has reignited conversations about the financial and psychological burdens placed on female celebrities.
Biles’s subsequent posts have shown her enjoying downtime away from cameras, often wearing casual clothes from affordable brands. She has repeatedly emphasized that she values comfort and authenticity over high fashion. In one Instagram story, she wrote, “I’d rather be at home in my sweats than spend that much to walk a red carpet for 10 seconds.”
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Biles will follow through on her threat to avoid red carpets. Many speculate that she will continue to attend major events but may choose to style herself or use a smaller, more affordable team. Others predict that the backlash against high styling costs could influence the industry, leading to more transparency and negotiation.
Simone Biles has once again used her platform to spark a necessary conversation, this time about the hidden costs of fame. By sharing her personal experience, she has shed light on a topic rarely discussed publicly, and in true Biles fashion, she has done so with honesty and humor. Whether she walks another red carpet soon or not, her impact on the conversation around celebrity culture is undeniable.
Source: Promiflash.de News