Simone Biles, at 27, continues to shatter records, securing another gold for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on July 31. This victory cements her status as the most decorated Olympic gymnast in American history. Amid the celebrations, her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, faced unexpected backlash for his enthusiastic support.
Owens, 29, took to Instagram to express his pride, posting a photo of the couple at a party the day before Biles clinched her sixth Olympic gold in the women’s artistic individual all-around competition. In his caption, he wrote,
“Witnessing history every time you step on the mat. Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it.”
The photo, however, showed Owens wearing Biles’ gold medal around his neck, which sparked controversy.
While Owens’ intent was to celebrate his wife’s success, many social media users criticized him for donning the medal as if it were his own achievement. One comment read, “Where is your PR team? Take her medal off of your neck! You didn’t win that.” Another echoed, “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off. Give it back to her immediately.” A third user chimed in, “Lol, Mr. I’m the prize. Holding the prize like it’s his.”
However, supporters quickly rallied behind the couple. One fan pointed out, “Y’all. Stop. Simone has very clearly stated this treatment of her man upsets her! We love her and we HONOR PEOPLE WE LOVE!! We honor their requests and their hearts.”
This isn’t the first time Owens has faced the wrath of the internet. In December 2023, he went viral after admitting on “The Pivot” podcast that he didn’t know Biles was a world-famous athlete when they first met online, claiming instead to be the “catch” in their relationship. Owens recounted, “I didn’t know who she was at the time. But the first thing that I saw was that she just had a bunch of followers so in my mind, I’m like, ‘OK, she got to be good.’”
Biles defended her husband against the backlash, emphasizing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in April how hurtful the remarks were. “That really hurt that they were talking about my husband like that because for me, it’s like, talk about me all you want, but don’t come for my family, never,” she said. She added,
“He never said I wasn’t a catch. He said he was a catch. Because he is! I’ve never met a man like him.”
The criticism led to mixed reactions, with some online advising Biles to divorce Owens, which she found initially humorous but ultimately distressing. “One night I broke down and I’m like, ‘Why are you guys talking about my husband like this? You don’t know him. You don’t know who he is and if anybody’s met him, they know he’s the sweetest guy, will do anything for anybody.’”
Biles and Owens began dating in August 2020 after meeting on the Raya dating app. Biles admitted she made the first move by sliding into Owens’ direct messages. They publicly announced their engagement in February 2022, with Biles expressing her excitement on Twitter, “I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you, you’re everything I dreamed of and more! Let’s get married!” Owens marked the engagement anniversary, reflecting, “Can’t believe that it’s been 2 years since this amazing day, man does time fly. You’re my rock, I feel like I can accomplish anything as long as I have you by my side.”
The couple officially married on April 22, 2023, followed by a grand wedding ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a month later.
Despite the negativity, the support from fans and Biles’ unwavering defense of her husband underscores the strength of their relationship. As Biles continues to make history, it’s clear that Owens remains her staunch supporter, both on and off the mat. The U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s victory in Paris, with Biles alongside teammates Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera, stands as a testament to her unparalleled dedication and success.
