Simone Biles is not biting her tongue about the controversy surrounding an interview that featured her husband Jonathan Owens. In the second part of Simone Biles Rising, which premiered Friday, Oct. 25 on Netflix, the 11-time Olympic medalist offered her perspective on the public pushback after Owens’ comments on The Pivot podcast last year, and said his comments were “taken out of context.”
In the interview, the NFL player was asked if he was the “catch” in his relationship with Biles, to which he replied: “I always say that the men are the catch.” When co-host Channing Crowder asked him how he was able to “pull Simone Biles,” Owens laughed and then said: “Man, it’s really how she pulled me, man. That’s the question.” In the episode, Biles is seen laughing off-camera in response to Owens’ answer, but his opinions opened the couple up to a social media firestorm.
“Social media gives [followers] this false sense of reality that they really know who you are and how you function,” Biles, 27, said in the Simone Biles Rising episode. “Most of the time they don’t understand the mental toll that it takes, especially going into an Olympic year.”
The Viral Storm Surrounding Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
When it comes to the world of sports and celebrity culture, few names shine brighter than Simone Biles. As the most decorated gymnast of all time, her every move is followed closely by fans and critics alike. Recently, however, the spotlight shifted away from her gymnastics achievements and landed on her personal life—specifically, her husband Jonathan Owens.
Owens, an NFL player, sparked a storm of criticism after a viral interview clip began circulating online. Many viewers claimed he downplayed Simone’s success, which quickly ignited heated debates across social media. But according to Biles herself, the viral clip was “taken out of context.” So, what really happened? Let’s break it down.
Who Is Jonathan Owens?
Before diving into the controversy, it’s important to know who Jonathan Owens is. Owens is an NFL safety who has played for teams like the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers. He’s also become widely recognized not just for his career but for being Simone Biles’ husband.
Their relationship has been under the public microscope since day one. Many fans have adored the couple’s love story, while others have scrutinized every little comment they’ve made about each other.
The Interview That Sparked the Controversy
The viral clip in question came from an interview where Jonathan Owens was asked about how he met Simone Biles and his perspective on their relationship. In the short version shared online, he appeared to suggest that he was the “catch” in the relationship.
This single line, ripped out of its full context, quickly spread like wildfire. Critics argued that Owens was undermining Biles’ legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history.
Social Media Backlash: Why People Were Upset
Social media thrives on quick reactions, and this interview clip was no exception. Within hours, thousands of comments poured in:
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Some accused Owens of being arrogant.
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Others claimed he didn’t fully appreciate Simone’s accomplishments.
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A few even went as far as to call the relationship “unbalanced.”
Memes, reaction videos, and hot takes dominated Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram. It was less about what Owens actually said and more about what people thought he meant.
Simone Biles Speaks Out: ‘Taken Out of Context’
Simone Biles didn’t stay silent. In a recent statement, she clarified that the viral clip did not reflect the full conversation.
She explained that the interview was lighthearted and filled with jokes, but only one snippet went viral, painting Owens in a negative light. “It was totally taken out of context,” Biles said firmly.
She reminded fans that her relationship with Owens is built on mutual respect, support, and love—something that isn’t always obvious from a single 20-second clip.
Why Context Matters in Viral Media
This isn’t the first time celebrities have had their words twisted online. In the age of social media, context often gets lost. A small clip can be cut, edited, and reshared until it tells a completely different story.
Think of it like reading just one sentence of a book and assuming you know the whole plot. Without the full conversation, it’s easy to misinterpret tone, intention, and meaning.
Simone and Jonathan’s Love Story: Stronger Than Internet Drama
Despite the criticism, Simone and Jonathan’s relationship appears unshaken. The two often share loving posts about each other on Instagram and have been open about their supportive marriage.
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They first connected on a dating app in 2020.
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Owens has consistently shown up for Biles at competitions.
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Biles has been vocal about how much his support means to her.
Their relationship is a partnership—one that doesn’t need internet approval to survive.
The Double Standards in Public Perception
Interestingly, this incident also highlighted a double standard. When male athletes make bold, confident statements, it’s often praised as swagger. But when Owens expressed confidence in his relationship, some fans viewed it as arrogance.
Why the difference? It may be because Biles is a global icon whose achievements eclipse most athletes, making any comparison tricky. But at the end of the day, confidence in a relationship shouldn’t automatically be seen as disrespect.
The Role of Fan Expectations
Part of the backlash may also stem from the pedestal fans have placed Simone Biles on. As an Olympic superstar, many expect her personal life to mirror the perfection of her professional life. Any comment—especially from her husband—that doesn’t match those expectations is instantly criticized.
But relationships are complex, real, and human. They’re not meant to fit into the neat little boxes fans create in their heads.
Celebrity Couples and Public Scrutiny
Celebrity couples often find themselves at the center of conversations they never asked for. From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, every word spoken can spark headlines.
Simone and Jonathan’s situation isn’t unique—but it is a reminder that public perception can quickly spiral out of control.
Jonathan Owens’ Side of the Story
While Owens hasn’t made a lengthy statement about the backlash, his silence speaks volumes. By not feeding the drama, he’s chosen to let Simone’s defense stand.
In reality, many people who watched the full interview noted that Owens came across as playful, loving, and supportive. Unfortunately, the internet thrives on conflict more than context.
The Bigger Picture: Internet Outrage Culture
This story fits into a larger trend of internet outrage culture. People are quick to judge based on fragments of information, often forgetting that real people are at the center of the storm.
Celebrities like Biles and Owens are human. They joke, they tease, and sometimes their words land differently when replayed on a viral loop.
Lessons We Can Learn From Simone’s Response
Simone Biles handled this situation with grace and clarity. Her approach offers lessons for anyone facing public or private criticism:
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Clarify the truth without fueling drama.
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Stand by your partner when they’re misunderstood.
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Don’t let outside noise define your relationship.
Why This Moment Won’t Define Them
At the end of the day, Simone Biles’ legacy is untouchable. She’s one of the greatest athletes in history, and no viral interview can change that. Similarly, her relationship with Jonathan Owens has already proven to be strong and resilient.
The internet may move on to its next outrage tomorrow, but for Simone and Jonathan, life goes on—unbothered and united.
Conclusion
The viral interview of Jonathan Owens may have sparked criticism, but Simone Biles made it clear: it was taken out of context. Their marriage remains strong, built on love, respect, and shared laughter. This controversy is just a blip in their journey, not the defining chapter.
