Olympic Champion Reveals Eye-Popping Red Carpet Price Tag in Viral Video

Clear Facts

• Simone Biles spent $23,000 on styling, hair, and makeup for a single red carpet appearance
• The gymnast questioned whether such high costs are now standard in a viral TikTok video
• Social media critics called the complaint tone-deaf given current economic pressures facing average Americans

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles took to TikTok this week to share her shock over the price tag of her most recent red carpet appearance—a jaw-dropping $23,000 for styling, hair, and makeup alone. The revelation has sparked debate about celebrity spending and economic awareness during a time when American families are struggling with inflation and rising costs.

“We need to have a discussion… I just need to know if this is normal,” Biles said at the start of the video. “I know going outside is expensive as f–k these days, but like is it this expensive, ok?”

The gymnastics champion broke down the costs of her red carpet glam team, which included her stylist, hair professionals, and makeup artists. Her visible surprise at the total suggested even someone with her success wasn’t prepared for such expenses.

“Yeah, $22,000,” she said. “Actually $23,000.”

Biles questioned whether such pricing has become the standard in the industry, expressing frustration with what she perceived as excessive costs. Her comments reflect broader concerns about inflation and rising prices across the economy.

“I just want to know, is that f—ing normal? I get inflation, I get prices these days have gone up,” she said. “But if that’s the new norm, y’all can have it. Y’all will never see me at another event. I’m going to sit my ass right here where it’s free.”

The gymnast admitted the experience continued to trouble her even after the event concluded. She expressed skepticism that others in her industry pay similar amounts for every appearance.

“I’ve been kind of spiraling since then,” she said. “And there’s just no way you guys are paying these prices each and every time … there’s just no way.”

While Biles has every right to spend her earnings as she chooses, the public response highlighted a disconnect between celebrity concerns and the financial realities facing everyday Americans. Many social media users pointed out that $23,000 exceeds what countless families spend on housing for an entire year.

Comments on the video reflected this sentiment, with users expressing frustration at the perceived lack of awareness.

“Damn. Talk about being out of touch.”

“The gas station near me went from $3.95 to $4.59 overnight so going outside definitely is expensive but not for the reasons she thinks.”

“I like her and wish her the best, but this is not it.”

To her credit, Biles prefaced the video by addressing fellow celebrities, athletes, and influencers specifically. However, that demographic represents only a tiny fraction of her 5.6 million followers, most of whom face very different economic realities.

Interestingly, responses from people within the entertainment industry suggested that even by celebrity standards, $23,000 appears excessive. Industry professionals indicated that typical red carpet glam services range closer to $5,000-$6,000—still substantial by normal standards, but significantly less than what Biles paid.

The situation raises questions about financial management and resource allocation. As the most decorated gymnast of all time with an enormous platform, Biles could potentially leverage her influence to work with up-and-coming stylists and designers who would benefit tremendously from the exposure while offering more competitive pricing.

Such an approach would support small businesses and emerging talent while addressing her concern about costs. Many independent professionals would welcome the opportunity to build their portfolios through association with an athlete of her caliber.

Biles did not specify which red carpet event prompted her price shock, though her most recent public appearance was at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. By all accounts, the styling achieved its intended effect.

The broader conversation touches on important issues about economic awareness, particularly for public figures during periods of financial strain for average Americans. While celebrities certainly face different cost structures in their professional lives, sharing such complaints publicly can appear disconnected from the struggles facing working families dealing with inflation, high gas prices, and rising everyday expenses.

The incident serves as a reminder that public figures navigate a delicate balance between authenticity and awareness of their audience’s circumstances. In an economy where many Americans are cutting back on necessities, conversations about $23,000 makeup sessions may not resonate as intended.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.