Fans of Simone Biles turned out in droves to send her love and criticize news outlets who used her name in conjunction with a tragic situation involving her brother.
Tevin Biles-Thomas was charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury on Thursday in connection to a New Year's Eve shooting. Devaughn Gibson, 23, DelVaunte Johnson, 19, and Toshon Banks, 21, were all killed during a shooting at a party in Cleveland, Ohio.
Police told ABC News 5 that Biles-Thomas became angry when a group of men showed up to the party uninvited. Two others were injured during the shooting.
News outlets, both local and international, lead their stories by tying Biles-Thomas to his sister, one of the world's most popular gymnasts and an Olympic gold medalist.
The brother of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is charged in a New Year’s Eve shooting that left three dead at an Airbnb party. https://t.co/uS6I4y6cjB
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) August 29, 2019
Fans of the gymnast criticized news outlets for using her name to increase story views.
So, saw a headline about Simone Biles brother. Thats kinda fucked up. Why drag her name into it? She didn't do anything wrong. @Simone_Biles Hope you find some peace during this storm.
— Randall; Shield Wolf Protection (@L0n3st4r45) August 30, 2019
You are more than just today's headlines. You are an inspiration. Don't give into the negativity. ????????????
— Jazzy ???????????? (@YoliGSXR) August 30, 2019
Sending so much love♥️
— Monica Bee (@Molynn222) August 30, 2019
@Simone_Biles my thoughts and prayers for your well-being through this ordeal.
— Cel Reyes (@MsReyes) August 30, 2019
We love you Simone. I won’t talk to you since i can’t imagine what it’s like to be you, just sending a virtual hug ???? pic.twitter.com/8NmaKGJS1c
— Andrea Gagliardi (@AndreaG114) August 30, 2019
The Olympic gold medalist herself eventually tweeted about the situation.
eating my feelings don’t talk to me
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 30, 2019
The 24-year-old is an active-duty U.S. Army serviceman based in Fort Stewart, Georgia, People Magazine reported.
The Washington Post reported Biles-Thomas joined the military in 2014 and was recently deployed to Korea in 2018.
While their mother, Shanon Biles, struggled with addiction, the siblings, including their sister Adria and Ashley Biles, were placed in foster care.
“My biological mom was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and she was in and out of jail,” Simone told Dancing with the Stars in 2017. “I never had a mom to run to.”
my brother tevin | everyone says we look like twins but we don't see it pic.twitter.com/WnljD48rMQ
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 11, 2017
Simone and Adria were later adopted by their grandfather and raised in Houston, Texas. Biles-Thomas and Ashley were both adopted by their great aunt and remained living in Ohio.
