Olympics icon Simone Biles and her NFL husband Jonathan Owens have been slammed by animal rights activists after allegedly chopping off their puppy’s ears in an ‘excruciatingly painful’ aesthetic procedure. Biles and Owens added a fourth dog to their growing family this week, buying a doberman from a breeder who has supplied pets to a number of other big-name celebrities. In an image posted to social media, though, it appeared the dog had undergone a cropping procedure which has sparked the fury of animal lovers. In a letter seen by Daily Mail, nonprofit organization PETA wrote to the couple to share its anger at the decision by Biles and Owens.
‘We were stunned when we saw you purchased a dog from a breeder, and judging from the comments online, we weren’t alone,’ the letter began. ‘Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off? ‘Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look. Many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure, which has been banned in many European countries.
Few athletes on the planet command respect and admiration like Simone Biles. She’s a global icon, a gymnastics legend, and a symbol of strength both on and off the mat. But even legends aren’t immune to controversy. Over the past few days, social media has been buzzing with outrage as animal rights activists accuse Simone Biles of allegedly cropping her dog’s ears — a claim that has sparked intense debate, emotional reactions, and a digital firestorm. So, what’s really going on here? Is this a case of misinformation spiraling out of control, or a legitimate ethical concern? Let’s unpack the controversy step by step.
Who Is Simone Biles? A Global Icon Beyond Gymnastics
A Once-in-a-Generation Athlete
Simone Biles isn’t just famous — she’s historic. With multiple Olympic gold medals and a career filled with record-breaking performances, she’s often described as the greatest gymnast of all time.
A Role Model in the Public Eye
Beyond sports, Biles has become a powerful voice for mental health, self-care, and resilience. That visibility, however, also means her personal life is constantly under scrutiny.
The Allegation Explained: What Sparked the Outrage?
The Ear Cropping Claims
The controversy began when photos of Biles’ dog surfaced online, showing what some users claimed were cropped ears. Animal rights activists quickly jumped in, alleging that the gymnast either approved or allowed the procedure.
Why Ear Cropping Is So Controversial
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure historically done for cosmetic reasons, especially in certain dog breeds. In many countries, the practice is banned or heavily restricted due to animal welfare concerns.
Animal Rights Activists React: Why the Backlash Was So Intense
Social Media as a Megaphone
Activist groups and individuals flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with angry posts, calling the alleged act cruel and unnecessary.
Emotional Language and Viral Posts
Words like “abuse,” “mutilation,” and “barbaric” were used frequently — fueling outrage and accelerating the spread of the story.
Allegations vs. Facts: What Do We Actually Know?
No Verified Evidence of Wrongdoing
As of now, there is no confirmed proof that Simone Biles personally ordered or supported ear cropping. Many experts note that some breeds naturally have ears that appear cropped.
The Importance of Context
Photos without medical records or breeder documentation can be misleading. Jumping to conclusions is easy — accuracy is harder.
Breed-Specific Realities: Could This Be a Misunderstanding?
Some Dogs Naturally Look “Cropped”
Certain breeds, or dogs obtained from licensed breeders, may already have altered ears before adoption.
Adoption vs. Purchase Confusion
If a dog was adopted or purchased after the procedure, responsibility may not lie with the owner at all.
The Internet’s Court of Public Opinion
Cancel Culture Strikes Again
Once outrage starts trending, facts often become secondary. Public figures like Biles are especially vulnerable to snap judgments.
Why Nuance Gets Lost Online
Social media rewards emotion, not patience. And once a narrative sticks, correcting it feels like swimming upstream.
Simone Biles’ Response: Silence or Strategy?
No Immediate Public Statement
At the time of writing, Biles has not issued a detailed response addressing the allegations directly.
Is Silence a Smart Move?
In many PR crises, staying quiet can prevent further escalation — but it can also leave room for speculation.
The Ethics of Pet Ownership in the Spotlight
Celebrities and Higher Expectations
Famous individuals are often held to stricter moral standards, especially regarding animals and children.
Is That Fair?
That depends. Should fame equal forfeiting privacy, or does it demand greater accountability?
Legal Perspectives on Ear Cropping
Different Laws, Different Countries
In some U.S. states, ear cropping is still legal if performed by a licensed veterinarian. In many European countries, it’s completely banned.
Legality Doesn’t Equal Morality
Even when legal, many argue the practice is ethically outdated.
Veterinarians Weigh In on the Practice
Medical Necessity vs. Cosmetic Choice
Most modern vets agree ear cropping is rarely medically necessary.
Growing Professional Opposition
Veterinary associations worldwide increasingly discourage or outright oppose the procedure.
Why This Story Went Viral So Fast
A Perfect Storm of Fame and Emotion
A beloved celebrity + animals + alleged cruelty = viral explosion.
Algorithms Love Outrage
The angrier people get, the more platforms push the content.
Public Supporters Push Back
Fans Defend Simone Biles
Many supporters argue that the backlash is unfair, premature, and based on assumptions rather than facts.
Calls for Evidence Over Emotion
Some users are urging others to wait for verified information before condemning anyone.
What This Controversy Says About Online Culture
We React First, Verify Later
This situation highlights how quickly misinformation — or partial information — can snowball.
The Cost of Digital Pitchforks
Once reputations are damaged online, repairing them isn’t easy.
Lessons for Celebrities and the Public Alike
Transparency Matters
Clear communication can stop rumors in their tracks.
Critical Thinking Is Essential
As readers and users, we must question what we see before sharing or judging.
Where Does Simone Biles Go From Here?
Reputation Resilience
Biles has weathered storms before — and emerged stronger.
A Moment for Broader Conversation
This controversy could spark meaningful discussions about animal welfare, laws, and online accountability.
Conclusion: Outrage, Assumptions, and the Need for Truth
The alleged dog ear cropping controversy involving Simone Biles is a textbook example of how fast narratives can form — and how slow truth can feel by comparison. While animal welfare is a deeply important issue, accusations without confirmed facts risk doing more harm than good. Until verified information emerges, this moment serves as a reminder: compassion should apply to both animals and people. In a world driven by clicks and outrage, patience and perspective are more valuable than ever.
