Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, is accustomed to mastering complex challenges on the world’s biggest stages. Yet recently, the Olympic champion found herself frustrated by something far more ordinary: a persistent malfunction on her iPhone.Rather than resolving the issue privately, Biles chose to consult her fans, offering a candid glimpse into her life beyond elite sport, and notably doing so without involving her husband, Jonathan Owens.
On Friday, Biles shared her annoyance through Instagram Stories after repeatedly receiving an error message while attempting to send text messages. Posting a screenshot of the notification, she wrote, “IM SO SICK OF RECEIVING THIS MESSAGE WHEN I TRY TO TEXT SOMEONE…” The message on her phone read, “Cannot Send Message,” followed by instructions indicating that iMessage needed to be enabled. The situation became more perplexing when Biles clarified that iMessage was already activated on her device. “My iMessage is turned on,” she added, suggesting that conventional troubleshooting methods were ineffective. Seeking solutions, she turned to her audience of more than 12 million followers, opening an Instagram question box labeled simply, “helppppp.”
Even Legends Have Tech Problems
What happens when the greatest gymnast of all time is stopped—not by gravity-defying routines—but by a stubborn smartphone? Believe it or not, Simone Biles recently found herself in exactly that situation. And instead of calling her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, she did what millions of us do daily: she asked the internet. This surprisingly relatable moment quickly went viral, sparking conversations about celebrity life, modern relationships, and our collective dependence on technology. Let’s unpack why this small incident resonated so deeply—and what it says about Simone Biles, fame, and the power of fans.
Simone Biles and the Smartphone That Wouldn’t Cooperate
A Tech Glitch Stops a Global Icon
Simone Biles is used to mastering the impossible. Triple-doubles? Nailed it. Olympic pressure? Handled. But when her phone started acting up, even she hit a wall. Instead of quietly fixing it behind the scenes, she took the issue public—sharing her frustration with fans.
The Unexpected SOS to Fans
Rather than leaning on Jonathan Owens, Simone crowdsourced solutions from her followers. Why? Because sometimes, the fastest tech support isn’t your partner—it’s the hive mind of the internet.
Why Simone Didn’t Ask Jonathan Owens
This is where fans leaned in. People expected her to turn to her husband, but Simone chose differently.
Independence in Modern Relationships
This moment subtly highlighted something powerful: independence. Being married doesn’t mean outsourcing every problem to your partner. Simone showed that autonomy still matters—even in loving relationships.
Normalizing Non-Traditional Support Systems
Friends, fans, and online communities now play a role that family once exclusively held. Simone simply reflected the times we live in.
Social Media Reacts—And Relates
Fans didn’t just help—they laughed, empathized, and shared their own tech disasters.
Why This Moment Went Viral
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t dramatic. It was real. People saw themselves in Simone’s frustration, and that authenticity fueled the viral response.
Relatability Beats Perfection
Perfection can be intimidating. Relatability builds connection. Simone won hearts not with medals, but with honesty.
The Human Side of a Global Superstar
We often forget that celebrities deal with the same daily annoyances as everyone else.
Fame Doesn’t Come With a Tech Manual
No amount of success guarantees your phone won’t freeze, glitch, or randomly stop working.
Why Fans Love These Moments
They pull back the curtain. They remind us that even icons live ordinary lives between extraordinary achievements.

Technology—The Great Equalizer
Smartphones don’t care who you are.
When Tech Fails, Status Doesn’t Matter
Whether you’re an Olympic champion or a college student, tech problems hit the same way: suddenly and inconveniently.
Crowd Wisdom in the Digital Age
Online communities have become modern-day problem solvers, replacing manuals and call centers.
Simone Biles’ Relationship With Her Fans
This moment strengthened an already powerful bond.
Fans as a Trusted Inner Circle
Simone doesn’t just perform for fans—she interacts with them, trusts them, and laughs with them.
Authentic Engagement Builds Loyalty
This wasn’t PR. It was spontaneous—and fans could tell.
A Lesson in Authentic Branding
Without trying, Simone reinforced her personal brand.
Authenticity Is the New Influence
People follow Simone not just because she wins—but because she’s real.
H4: Why Brands Can Learn From This
Audiences crave honesty over polish. Simone delivered that effortlessly.
Marriage, Humor, and Public Perception
Some fans jokingly asked, “Why not Jonathan?”
Humor Over Assumptions
Simone’s choice wasn’t a snub—it was practical. And honestly? Funny.
Healthy Relationships Don’t Need Constant Validation
Love doesn’t require public proof every time something breaks.
The Bigger Picture—Women Solving Their Own Problems
There’s a subtle but important message here.
Independence Is Empowering
Simone didn’t wait for help. She asked for it—on her terms.
Redefining Strength
Strength isn’t just physical. It’s confidence, self-reliance, and adaptability.
Why This Story Matters Beyond Gossip
This wasn’t just celebrity news—it was cultural commentary.
Everyday Moments Create Lasting Impact
Small, honest stories resonate longer than polished headlines.
Connection Over Perfection
That’s why people cared.
Conclusion: When a Phone Glitch Becomes a Human Moment
Simone Biles didn’t just share a tech issue—she shared a slice of real life. In doing so, she reminded us that greatness doesn’t mean perfection. Sometimes, it means laughing at a broken phone and trusting your community to help you fix it.
And maybe that’s why Simone Biles isn’t just admired—she’s loved.