Simone Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens has thrown his support behind his wife amid her feud with Riley Gaines over transgender athletes in women’s sports. Biles and Gaines have been in a bitter feud over the topic since Friday, when the latter remarked about a photo containing a transgender high school softball player. The legendary Olympic gymnast’s response was long and harsh, comparing Riley’s appearance to that of a male, forcing her to pull back on those comments in a subsequent apology. Owens’ first public comments since the feud began was not an additional statement. The Chicago Bears player opted for a subtle route to support his wife.
On Tuesday, he posted a screenshot of Biles’ apology to his Instagram story with three silver hearts to show his support for her. The defender staying in line with his wife amid controversy is consistent with her actions when roles were reversed. Fans attacked Owens after he admitted to not knowing who Biles was before they met on celebrity dating app Raya in 2020.
Criticism continued last summer after he was seen wearing his partner’s gold medal from the 2024 Summer Olympics. In a post celebrating his wife, the NFL player posed next to her with the gold around his neck and 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’. Several users blasted Owens for his ‘odd’ behavior on the night, while content creator Kiera Breaugh even told him to ‘take it off’ in a video which racked up 2.5 million views on TikTok.
The world of sports and social media collided in early June 2025 when Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and former swimmer Riley Gaines engaged in a heated online debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. While Biles was vocal in her defense of inclusivity, her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, maintained a low profile—until he didn’t. In this article, we delve into the timeline of events, the roles played by Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens, and the broader implications of this public feud.
The Spark: Simone Biles vs. Riley Gaines
The Trigger: A Transgender Athlete’s Victory
The controversy ignited when Riley Gaines criticized a transgender softball player, Marissa Rothenberger, who led her team to victory in a Minnesota high school championship game. Gaines’ comment, “When your star player is a boy, you win,” drew immediate backlash from those advocating for transgender rights in sports.
Simone Biles Responds
Simone Biles, known for her advocacy and support for marginalized communities, swiftly responded on social media. She labeled Gaines a “sore loser” and accused her of bullying, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in sports.
Jonathan Owens’ Silence Speaks Volumes
A Quiet Observer
Throughout the initial exchange, Jonathan Owens refrained from commenting. His silence led many to speculate about his stance on the issue. However, as the situation escalated, Owens’ actions—or lack thereof—began to speak louder than words.
The Subtle Support
On June 10, 2025, Owens broke his silence by resharing Simone Biles’ conciliatory post on his Instagram Story, accompanied by three white heart emojis. This gesture was interpreted by many as a silent yet powerful endorsement of his wife’s position.
Simone Biles’ Apology: A Step Toward Reconciliation
Acknowledging the Escalation
Recognizing the potential harm caused by her initial comments, Simone Biles issued a public apology. She admitted to getting personal with Riley Gaines and emphasized the need for sports organizations to develop inclusive yet fair policies.
The Role of Jonathan Owens
While Owens remained largely silent, his act of resharing Biles’ apology was seen as a supportive move, reinforcing the couple’s united front in the face of public scrutiny.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses
Support for Biles and Owens
Many fans and fellow athletes praised Simone Biles for her willingness to apologize and for Jonathan Owens’ understated support. They commended the couple for handling the situation with grace and maturity.
Criticism of Riley Gaines
Conversely, Riley Gaines faced criticism for her comments and stance on transgender athletes. Some accused her of fostering division and intolerance, while others defended her right to express her views.
The Broader Implications: Transgender Inclusion in Sports
Ongoing Debate
The feud between Biles and Gaines highlights the ongoing national debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This issue has become a focal point in political and social discourse, with varying opinions on both sides.
The Need for Fair Policies
Experts argue that while inclusivity is essential, it must be balanced with fairness to ensure that all athletes have an equal opportunity to compete. The incident underscores the necessity for clear and equitable policies in sports organizations.
Conclusion: A Unified Front
In the end, the Biles-Gaines feud served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding transgender inclusion in sports. While opinions may differ, the support shown by Jonathan Owens for his wife underscores the importance of unity and understanding in navigating such contentious issues.
