Simone Biles, the renowned gymnast, opened up about the emotional toll she endured following the backlash her husband, Jonathan Owens, received after a controversial interview went viral.
In December 2023, NFL player Owens stirred controversy during an appearance on the “Pivot” podcast. He admitted to not knowing who Biles was before they started dating. Social media erupted when Owens suggested that he was a “catch” compared to the decorated Olympic champion.
However, on the recent episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Biles clarified that Owens never intended to undermine her achievements. She defended him, stating, “He said he was a catch. Because he is! I’ve never met a man like him.”
“I thought everything was OK, and then I go on Twitter and everybody’s like, ‘Divorce this man. He’s mean!’” Biles added. “I’m like, ‘He’s the sweetest. He praises the ground that I walk on.’ Truly, I’ve never met a man like him … he truly goes out of his way to do anything for me.”
At first, Biles found the situation amusing, but she revealed that the online criticism soon began to affect her.
“I thought it was hilarious at first and then it hurt my feelings. One night, I broke down, and I’m like, ‘Why are you guys talking about my husband like this? You don’t know him,” she said. “You don’t know who he is and if anybody’s met him, you know he’s the sweetest guy, will do anything for anybody.’”
While enduring the drama, Biles maintained a composed demeanor, subtly responding to critics through social media. Despite calls for separation, the couple remains united and supportive of each other’s endeavors.
“🤞🏾💋 for life,” she commented beneath Owens’s Instagram post captioned, “Unbothered 😂❤️ Just know we locked in over here 🤞🏽.”
Looking ahead, Biles anticipates Owens’s presence at the 2024 Paris Olympics, hoping it will provide him with a newfound appreciation for the challenges of gymnastics.
“I’m excited for him to see the Olympics because football’s not in the Olympics and he always says it’s the hardest sport, it’s universal. So, why is it not in the Olympics?” Biles joked.
The couple, who began dating in 2020 and married three years later, continues to navigate challenges together, standing strong amid public scrutiny.
Hear more about the controversial interview in the video below!
How do you think public figures should navigate criticism directed at their personal lives?
