From controversial interviews to viral public displays of affection, the relationship between Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and NFL player Jonathan Owens consistently ignites social media debates. This in-depth look explores the couple’s journey under intense public scrutiny, Biles’ fierce defense of her husband, her personal revelations, and her ongoing pursuit of Olympic greatness.
The relationship between celebrated Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and NFL safety Jonathan Owens is no stranger to the public eye. Recently, a video of the couple sharing an affectionate moment on a football field went viral, reigniting widespread debate about public displays of affection and the nature of their relationship. The short clip, viewed over 10.5 million times on X (formerly Twitter), showed Owens affectionately grabbing Biles’ behind after a Chicago Bears home win against the New Orleans Saints, prompting a flurry of reactions from netizens.
The Latest Viral Incident: PDA on the Field
The 11-second video captured a tender, yet intimate, interaction between the married athletes. As the couple cuddled, Owens was seen embracing Biles before subtly adjusting her skirt. The footage was quickly circulated by various social media accounts, including @ChicagoBearsHistory on Instagram, which captioned the scene, “Jonathan Owens grabbed a double handful of Simone Biles after the Bears’ home win against the Saints.”
Reactions from the online community were immediate and varied. Many expressed discomfort with the public nature of the interaction, with comments ranging from “I wouldn’t even post this” to “Nobody wants to see this, and it has nothing to do with football.” On X, users voiced similar sentiments, with some calling the moment “Public g**ping is weird” and questioning Owens’ “respect” and “class.” Others, however, offered playful observations or noted the ongoing dynamic between the couple, highlighting the constant scrutiny they face from the internet. The full video shared by @TheShadeRoom on X captured the moment for millions.
A Look Back: The Enduring “Catch” Controversy
This latest viral moment follows a series of public conversations surrounding the couple, most notably Jonathan Owens’ comments during a January interview on “The Pivot” podcast. Owens famously stated he “didn’t know who Simone Biles was” when they first started dating in 2020 and that he “didn’t really pay attention” to gymnastics. He also confidently declared himself “the catch” in their relationship.
These remarks triggered significant backlash across social media, with many users criticizing Owens and questioning his understanding of Biles’ monumental achievements as the most decorated gymnast of all time. The controversy intensified when “internet sleuths” resurfaced old tweets from 2012 where Owens had made comments about fellow US gymnast Gabby Douglas, casting doubt on his claim of not following gymnastics, as reported by USA Today Sports. This prompted renowned USWNT player Sydney Leroux to tweet, “Todo el mundo sabe quién es Simone Biles” (“Everybody knows who Simone Biles is”).
Simone’s Defense and Emotional Response
Initially, Biles was present during Owens’ interview and thought nothing of his comments, even joking, “My man just killed that.” However, the public reaction “really hurt” her. In an April 17 episode of Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Biles defended her husband, calling him “the sweetest” and insisting that fans misinterpreted his words. She explained that Owens said he was “a catch because he is,” not that she wasn’t. Biles surmised that people were “mad that he didn’t include me in the interview,” but she felt it was his moment to shine.
Despite initially finding the controversy “hilarious,” the public scrutiny eventually took a toll. Biles revealed she “broke down” one night, asking, “Why are you guys talking about my husband like this? You don’t know him.” She drew a clear boundary, stating, “Talk about me all you want, but don’t come from my family. Never.” Later, she succinctly addressed the ongoing online trolling with four words: “Are ya’ll done yet?”
Simone’s Personal Choices: Surgery and Olympic Future
Beyond relationship dynamics, Simone Biles recently made headlines with a subtle admission about cosmetic enhancements. In an Instagram story, Biles shared a video of herself performing a backflip, captioned: “first flip – in a year – at the new house – with new (cherries),” as reported by Bored Panda via AOL. This cheeky reference all but confirmed months of fan speculation about chest augmentation, which began after she posted swimsuit photos from a vacation in Belize with Owens in July.
Fan opinions on the surgery were, once again, split. While some criticized the change, others defended her choices, remarking, “She looks good with them. Well proportioned.” The revelation also prompted questions about how such enhancements might impact her performance, especially as Biles continues to eye a return to elite gymnastics.
Eyeing Olympic Gold: Paris and Beyond
Despite the personal and public challenges, Simone Biles’ competitive spirit remains undimmed. After her withdrawal from multiple events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to the “twisties”—a mental block causing gymnasts to lose their spatial awareness in the air—Biles has been vocal about prioritizing her mental health and listening to her body.
She is actively preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, having dominated recent competitions in the team, all-around, and vault categories. When asked about potentially competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Biles offered a hopeful, “Never say never,” even though she would be 31 years old at the time. This ambition highlights her enduring commitment to the sport that made her a global icon.
Navigating Public Life: Support and Scrutiny
Through every controversy and personal decision, Simone Biles has consistently shown unwavering support for Jonathan Owens. Since their marriage in April 2023, Biles has frequently posted moments of game-day excitement, celebrating alongside Owens, such as a tense Bears victory over the Commanders. These displays demonstrate a united front against external criticism.
The intense public interest in their relationship serves as a microcosm of the scrutiny faced by celebrity couples. From viral soundbites to intimate videos, every aspect of their lives is dissected, debated, and often, harshly judged. Yet, through it all, Biles and Owens continue to navigate their personal and professional paths, with Biles steadfast in her commitment to her family and her legendary athletic career.
The ongoing narrative surrounding Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens highlights the complexities of modern celebrity relationships and the double-edged sword of social media—a platform that offers connection but also relentless public judgment. For fans, it’s a reminder that even the most accomplished individuals face personal challenges and the constant pressure of a watchful world.
