Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has once again captured headlines—but this time not for her athletic prowess. Instead, the 29-year-old Olympian shocked her millions of followers with a candid confession about the staggering cost of red carpet styling. In a TikTok video that quickly went viral, Biles revealed that she spent approximately $23,000 on her most recent red carpet appearance. The sum covered the fees for a professional stylist, a hairstylist, and a makeup team. Visibly stunned, Biles questioned whether such expenses are the new standard for celebrity appearances, suggesting she might skip future events altogether.
The video, filmed in Biles' characteristic direct and humorous style, shows her addressing her audience with a mix of disbelief and frustration. 'I just need to know if this is normal,' she says, her voice tinged with genuine confusion. 'I know going out is damn expensive these days, but is it this expensive? Is that damn normal?' she repeated, shaking her head. 'I understand prices have gone up, but if this is the new standard, you can have it. You won't see me at any more events. I’ll sit right here, where it’s free. Since then, I’ve been a bit shaken up,' she added.
Although Biles did not specify the exact event, her most recent major red carpet appearance was at the Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20 in Madrid, where she wowed the crowd at the Cibeles Palace. For that occasion, she wore a striking feathered minidress by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri. The outfit itself was not part of the $23,000 price tag—the amount was solely for the styling team, including pre-event consultations, trial runs, and the actual day-of service. With that kind of bill for just one night, it is easy to understand her shock.
Fans flooded the comments section with reactions ranging from disbelief to solidarity. One fan wrote, 'My jaw literally dropped at that number,' while another joked, 'They call it the SBST (Simone Biles Service Tax).' Many followers suggested that Biles, with her natural beauty and iconic status, could easily do her own hair and makeup. But Biles quickly shut down that idea: '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'll tear me apart.' Her comment underscores the immense pressure on public figures to maintain a flawless image, often at a high financial and emotional cost.
To understand the context, one must appreciate Simone Biles' unique position. Born in 1997 in Columbus, Ohio, she was adopted by her grandparents and began gymnastics at age six. She went on to become the most decorated American gymnast with a combined total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her gravity-defying routines and unmatched consistency have earned her the title 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) in her sport. Beyond gymnastics, she has become a powerful voice for mental health, especially after her brave decision to withdraw from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her well-being. She has also advocated for survivors of sexual abuse and for racial equality, making her one of the most influential athletes of her generation.
Given her stature, Biles is no stranger to red carpet events. She has attended the Met Gala, ESPY Awards, and numerous galas. Typically, celebrities at her level employ a team of stylists, makeup artists, and hair professionals. The $23,000 fee, however, seems high even by Hollywood standards. According to industry insiders, a top-tier stylist for a single event can charge between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the scale and the client. A makeup artist usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000, while a hairstylist adds another $1,000 to $3,000. Add travel, assistants, and product costs, and the total can easily climb to the low five figures. Yet, $23,000 is outlier—even for a A-lister. Biles' candid revelation sheds light on the often-hidden economics of celebrity appearances.
The reaction online has been telling. While many fans expressed shock, others defended the price, arguing that at top-tier events, the expertise and resources required to create a flawless look justify the expense. 'When you're representing a major brand or the event itself, the pressure is immense,' commented one user. 'You need a team that can handle that stress and deliver perfection. That costs money.' Another wrote, 'She's a national treasure. She should be given a free styling budget by brands who want her to wear their clothes.' However, Biles seems unconvinced. In her TikTok video, she expressed that the cost has made her reconsider attending such events altogether, unless the event covers the styling fees.
The conversation also taps into broader themes of celebrity culture and financial transparency. Many fans appreciate Biles' honesty, contrasting her with other stars who may quietly pay for such services. 'She's real. That's why we love her,' one follower said. 'She's not afraid to talk about money, even if it's a huge amount.' Others pointed out that the price of everything has risen post-pandemic, including fashion and beauty services. The cost of labor, materials, and even transportation has skyrocketed, affecting the fees charged by professionals.
Looking at the broader landscape, red carpet styling has become an industry of its own. Stylists have become celebrities in their own right, with names like Law Roach (who worked with Zendaya), Maeve Reilly (Hailey Bieber), and Kate Young (Margot Robbie) commanding premium fees. They often have teams of assistants, interns, and public relations experts. The process begins weeks in advance: selecting and fitting designer gowns or suits, coordinating with designers for custom pieces, and ensuring everything fits perfectly. On the day, the team works for hours to achieve the desired look, often with multiple backup plans. For Biles, the $23,000 likely included the full package: initial consultations, a scouting team for options, emergency alterations, and a team of people on location.
For many everyday people, the figure seems astronomical. But in the world of multimillion-dollar endorsements and brand deals, it can be a necessary business expense. Biles, who has sponsorship deals with brands like Athleta, Uber Eats, and Mattel, among others, likely has her event expenses covered by contracts or can write them off as tax deductions. Yet, her shock indicates that even someone with her financial success finds the amount excessive. It raises questions about the sustainability of such spending, even for the ultra-wealthy.
Biles' announcement comes at a time when she has been particularly active on social media, sharing her life with fans. She married NFL player Jonathan Owens in 2023, and the couple recently moved to Houston. She also launched her own line of gymnastics apparel and continues to train, though she has not committed to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her transparency about financial matters is part of a broader trend of younger celebrities being more open about money, from sharing salary ranges to discussing the cost of living. In doing so, they demystify the glamour and remind fans that even the stars deal with sticker shock.
Following Biles' video, other celebrities might feel emboldened to speak out about similar costs. Already, some social media users are sharing their own experiences with high beauty service fees, using the hashtag StylingCostsSoHigh. The conversation has even reached the mainstream media, with outlets analyzing the economics of red carpet styling. Some experts suggest that the industry may see changes if more celebrities refuse these exorbitant fees, leading to a potential market correction. However, as long as the demand for perfection remains, the cost may stay high.
In the meantime, Simone Biles is enjoying her time away from the competitive gymnastics floor. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health, and her decision to step back from events that cause stress—even stress about money—is consistent with her philosophy. 'I have to protect my peace,' she once said. And if that means skipping the red carpet, so be it. Her fans are likely to support her, whether in a designer gown or a casual outfit at home.
The original article included a poll asking readers if $23,000 for red carpet styling is justifiable, with results showing a majority of respondents saying no, it exceeds all reasonable measures. That sentiment is widespread, and Biles' confession has ignited a much-needed discussion about the hidden costs of fame. It also highlights the immense pressure on women, especially women of color, to look perfect in public. As the conversation evolves, one thing is clear: Simone Biles remains an icon not just for her athletic achievements, but for her willingness to share the vulnerable moments that make her human.
Source: Promiflash.de News