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Simone Biles Calls $23K Red-Carpet Outfit ‘Celebrity Tax’

4/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Simone Biles posted on TikTok on April 28, 2026 that her red-carpet outfit cost $23,000.
The fee covered a stylist, hair and makeup team for the Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Biles labeled the $23,000 charge a “celebrity tax” and said she may stop attending events.
Fans reacted with mixed views, some suggesting cheaper options while others expressed shock at the price.

History

Historical Context

The 68th Academy Awards, held March 25 1996 to honor 1995 films, featured Whoopi Goldberg as host and Quincy Jones as producer, drawing nearly 45 million U.S. viewers. Decades later, after high-profile incidents such as the 2022 Chris Rock–Will Smith altercation, AMPAS added a crisis team and hired new producers for the 2023 ceremony, reflecting growing scrutiny of the gala’s production and costs.

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Story summary

Simone Biles posted on TikTok on April 28, 2026 that her red-carpet outfit cost $23,000.
The fee covered a stylist, hair and makeup team for the Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Biles labeled the $23,000 charge a “celebrity tax” and said she may stop attending events.
Fans reacted with mixed views, some suggesting cheaper options while others expressed shock at the price.

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