Simone Biles’ birth mother, Shanon, opened up about why she abandoned her daughter and now seeks forgiveness from the Olympic star.
Simone Biles is one of the most celebrated gymnasts in the world.
She has won numerous medals and accolades, making her a household name.
However, her journey has not been easy. Behind her incredible success lies a complicated relationship with her birth mother, Shanon Biles.
Birth mother of Olympic star Simone Biles reveals reason for abandoning her daughters
Recently, Shanon opened up about the reasons why she abandoned her daughter and expressed her desire for forgiveness.
Shanon, 52, living in Columbus, Ohio, had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years.
This made it impossible for her to care for Simone and her sister Adria.
To protect the two girls, Simone’s paternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie, took Simone and Adria in to live with them in Texas when Simone was just 6 years old.
Shanon shared that it was extremely difficult for her to have to abandon her children.
“Giving up my kids was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I had to do what I had to do. I couldn’t take care of them.
I was still using drugs and my dad didn’t want me around the kids when I wasn’t stable.”
Shanon begs Olympic star Simone Biles for forgiveness
Currently, Shanon wishes to meet and apologize to Simone.
She shared: “I want to reconcile with Simone – I’m just waiting on her and Adria.
“I talk to Adria more than I do Simone. I just want to apologize to her.
Can we just move forward? Don’t judge me on my past. Let’s just move forward.”
However, Shanon understands that she needs to be patient and wait until Simone is ready to accept her.
Shanon also shared that although she was unable to be in Paris to cheer on Simone’s competition, she is extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements.
In an interview, Simone’s birth mother revealed that she hosted a small backyard party at her neighbor’s home in Columbus.
The celebration was to honor her daughter’s achievements, which included winning three gold medals and one silver.
Shanon’s life still has many challenges, including 21 outstanding debts and living in an old, rundown house in a dangerous neighborhood.
Despite this, she holds deep love and pride for her daughter.
Shanon hopes that one day, Simon will accept her apology and give them both a chance to mend their relationship.
“I do have a direct number, but I won’t use it. I want her to reach out to me.
“Simone is 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her,” Shanon said.
“You can’t push anybody. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on herm,” she emphasized.
Birth mother of Simone Biles struggled to live due to drug addiction
According to reports, Shanon faced significant financial and legal troubles due to her past drug and alcohol addiction.
In 2018, she filed for bankruptcy, owning little and owing over $14,000.
Shanon had two unusable cars. One was a totaled 2008 Toyota Scion XB, and the other was a non-roadworthy 2003 GMC Sierra.
Together, the cars were worth $2,125.
She also listed her homeware, electronics, clothes, shoes, and jewelry, which were worth $9,650.
Simone’s birth mother even included her dog, cat, and guinea pig in her assets. Shanon said her home was worth only $9,684. She owed $14,234 to 21 companies.
This debt included medical and financial services, shopping websites, and a $3,834 student loan.
Additionally, she had a history of traffic violations and criminal cases, including an assault conviction in 2020.
However, since 2022, Shanon has turned her life around, staying out of trouble and working as a cashier at a discount grocery store.