In recent weeks, a troubling rumor has surfaced alleging that Simone Biles, the celebrated U.S. gymnast and 11-time Olympic medalist, is under investigation for using performance-enhancing drugs. The rumors, which gained traction online, falsely link Biles to a purported weight-loss product called Rapid Lean Keto and ACV Gummies. Despite the spread of these baseless allegations, there’s no truth to the claims, and Biles remains a symbol of exceptional athleticism.
The Origin of the Rumor
The unfounded speculation began circulating during the 2024 Paris Olympics, a time when Biles was in the spotlight for her extraordinary achievements, including earning four new Olympic medals—three gold and one silver. The rumors falsely suggested that Biles was under investigation by the Olympics commission due to her alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, tied to dubious weight-loss products.
The rumor was fueled by a misleading Facebook ad, which appeared on August 12, 2024, featuring a photo of Biles and a provocative caption claiming, “New Questions Swirl Around Gymnastics.” This ad led to a fake ESPN article hosted on a scam website called therightchoicetrc.com. The fabricated story falsely claimed that Biles’s impressive performances were linked to Rapid Lean Keto and ACV Gummies, citing her supposed high metabolism and energy levels as evidence.
The Truth Behind the Scam
The fake ESPN article included made-up quotes attributed to Biles, supposedly defending her use of the product as a natural supplement. However, Biles never endorsed Rapid Lean Keto or any similar product, and the quotes were entirely fabricated. This scam is part of a larger pattern where fraudsters exploit the names of well-known public figures to lend credibility to their deceptive products. Celebrities like Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Kaley Cuoco, Oprah Winfrey, and Kelly Clarkson have also been targeted in similar scams.
The fraudulent website linked to the fake article directed users to another scam page hosted on rapidleanbrands.com. This page falsely claimed endorsements from major media outlets and personalities, including CBS News, NBC, CNN, Women’s Health, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. It advertised free product trials, which actually entailed hidden subscription fees, resulting in significant charges for unsuspecting consumers.
FTC’s Response and Consumer Protection
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been actively pursuing legal action against companies involved in such scams. On July 1, 2024, shortly before the Biles-related ads began appearing, the FTC announced a major legal action against defendants who had defrauded consumers with deceptive ads for free CBD and keto-related products. These scammers were accused of enrolling consumers in recurring payment plans without their consent and stealing millions of dollars.
For those affected by such scams, the FTC advises contacting credit card companies to dispute unauthorized charges and block further transactions. Victims are encouraged to report fraudulent activity to help protect others from falling prey to these deceitful schemes.
Biles’s Legacy and the Impact of the Scam
Simone Biles continues to be an outstanding example of athletic excellence and perseverance. The false allegations surrounding her are a stark reminder of how public figures can be exploited by scammers. As Biles’s achievements remain unblemished by these baseless rumors, her fans and supporters can take comfort in the knowledge that her success is a result of her hard work and dedication, not deceptive substances.
What are your thoughts on the scam targeting Simone Biles? Share your comments and let us know how you feel about the situation.
