It’s been a whirlwind week for Riley Gaines. Just days after going viral for her heated exchange with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the former college swimmer is back in the spotlight, this time, for a fiery response to a former Real Housewives star.
The drama started when Jennifer Welch, a Bravo alum known from Sweet Home Oklahoma, posted a profanity-filled rant targeting Gaines, calling her a “dumb b*h” and “insufferable tt.” Gaines didn’t let that slide. Within hours, she clapped back, and it was clear she wasn’t holding anything back.
The back-and-forth quickly turned into one of the most talked-about celebrity-sports crossovers of the week, sparking another round of arguments over free speech, women’s sports, and what happens when activism meets reality TV energy.
Gaines Didn’t Mince Words Toward Real Housewives Alum Jennifer Welch During Their Online Exchange
In her podcast I’ve Had It, which she co-hosts with former co-star Angie ‘Pumps’ Sullivan, Jennifer Welch went on a harsh rant at Gaines. Welch said:
“You’re an insufferable tt. Nobody likes you, and no matter what, you will always have been the dumb b*h that tied for fifth place, The only place you can get a job is at bottom-feeder Fox News you insufferable t*at. Nobody likes you except for the other fake Christians that enjoy in their spare time watching children get zip-tied. So f**k you Riley Gaines”
Gaines later responded on X, writing, “They say these things about me merely because I said men are not women. That’s it. If you share that belief, they think the same about you. Such harsh words. Praying for these women.”
The tension began after Welch criticized Gaines’s comments about transgender athletes and accused her of using her platform to “spread hate.” Gaines, who tied for fifth at the 2022 NCAA Championships alongside trans swimmer Lia Thomas, has been outspoken about protecting biological women’s divisions, and her defenders say that’s exactly what she was doing here.
The online exchange reignited the same debate that’s been following Gaines all year: where the line between advocacy and offense really lies. It’s also made her one of the most polarizing figures in college sports culture, with fans either praising her as brave or calling her tone divisive.
The Heated Back-And-Forth Comes Right After Her Viral Clash With AOC Over Trans Inclusion In Women’s Sports
Earlier this week, Gaines made waves for her fiery exchange with AOC over her swimming career, a dispute that quickly dominated social media. In that exchange, AOC joked that if Gaines had focused her “anger” into training, she might’ve placed higher at the 2022 NCAA meet. Gaines fired back, calling the congresswoman a hypocrite for claiming to support women’s rights while ignoring fairness in competition. The comment instantly went viral, and now, the Welch feud feels like an extension of that same fight.
By now, Gaines has learned how to handle the storm. Every time backlash comes her way, she turns it into a platform to repeat her message, whether she’s challenging politicians or exchanging words with reality stars. Her tone can be sharp, but it keeps her right in the center of attention.
At this point, the public isn’t just arguing about her opinions; they’re assessing what she represents. She continues to draw attention by standing firmly for women’s athletics while challenging anyone who questions her stance. Ultimately, her presence and her message remain strong and visible.
Published: Oct 30, 2025 05:10 pm