On a bright Monday morning, May 12, the graduating class of Washington University in St. Louis filed into their seats with tassels swaying and hearts brimming with excitement. Among the sea of green robes stood a woman who had defied gravity, expectations, and limits her entire life. That woman was Simone Biles, Olympic icon, gymnastics legend — and now, honorary doctor.
You’d think after becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles would get nothing but standing ovations. But nope—critics are still coming for her. And this time, it’s following a massive career update that’s put her back in the headlines. And what does her NFL husband have to say about all this drama? But man, those words hit like a truck. Let’s break down everything—her new career move, the hate she’s getting (again), and the heartfelt 4-word message from her husband that everyone’s talking about.
As the applause echoed through the auditorium, Simone stepped up to the podium to deliver the commencement address. Her speech, just over 12 minutes, was as moving as it was motivational. She spoke candidly about her journey — from a young girl with a dream of becoming a pediatrician to a world-renowned athlete who’d flipped her way into history books. It was a proud, powerful moment. And later that day, Simone did what any 21st-century legend would do: she shared it online. Taking to Threads, she posted a celebratory message with a wink of humor: “it’s Dr. Biles to you 🫶🏾.” The internet, as always, responded. Fans flooded the comments with love, applause, and admiration. But not everyone was in the mood to celebrate.
Buried between congratulations was a blunt and jarring reply: “Nope I don’t respect you so I won’t be calling you that.” And it didn’t stop there. Another user chimed in: “Miss Biles… we don’t utilize the doctor term on honorary degrees… You’re a lot of genuinely great things, but this one is a blunder.” Simone, never one to shrink from a challenge — be it on the beam or in the comments — fired back with grace and edge: “google is free & it’s Mrs. Biles.” That reply, sharp and factual, sparked an even greater stir. Soon, the comment section was ablaze with debates about titles, degrees, and respect. One person scolded, “The disrespect for those who really went to school for years to earn their doctorate…” In mere hours, what began as a joyful moment had turned into a whirlwind of opinions. But through it all, Simone remained poised, letting the moment speak for itself. And quietly, in her corner of the digital world, her biggest supporter stepped up.
On May 13, Simone Biles’s husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, posted to his Instagram story. With pride practically radiating through the screen, he reshared the university’s tribute and wrote: “Best commencement speaker EVER.” No hashtags. No clapping back. Just love. Simone Biles’ latest chapter isn’t just about flips and landings. It’s about heart, strength, and love that speaks volumes—even in just four words. Jonathan Owens reminded the world what real support looks like.
